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Anti-gay Republican made his

announcement at Liberty Universityin Va.By MICHAEL K. LAVERSmlavers@washblade.comU.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Monday formallyannounced he is running for president.Its going to take a new generation of courageousconservatives to help make America great again,said the conservative rebrand in 30-second video heposted to his Twitter page shortly after midnight. Imready to stand with you to lead the ght.CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

The conservative rebrand U.S. Sen. TED CRUZ (R-Texas) on March 23 announced he is running for president.WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

passed in the Republican-controlled chamber by a 6331 vote margin. The newspaper noted 26 Democratsand ve Republicans voted against the controversialmeasure that would prohibit a government entityfrom substantially burdening a persons exerciseof religion, even if the burden results from a rule ofgeneral applicability.The Indiana Senate last month approved a bill similarto SB 101 that is based on the Religious Freedom andRestoration Act, a federal law that took eect in 1993.Gov. Mike Pence has said he would sign SB 101 into law.The legislation, SB 101, is about respecting and

MAJORMILESTONE

Out U.S. ambassadors

appear at Newseum

Local Presbyterianswelcome same-sexmarriage recognition

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reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are

intact, he said in a statement. I strongly support thelegislation and applaud the members of the GeneralAssembly for their work on this important issue. I lookforward to signing the bill when it reaches my desk.LGBT advocates and other critics of the measuresay it goes far beyond the Religious Freedom andRestoration Act because it does not contain what onesource described to the Washington Blade as a clearstandard of what constitutes a religious belief.CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

BETHESDA / CHEVY CHASE

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7032 Wisconsin Avenue

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Hyattsville councilmember to head Free State Legal Project

Nightlife advocate Skip Coburn dies at 70

Veteran was executive director of D.C. Nightlife AssociationBy LOU CHIBBARO JR.lchibbaro@washblade.comDick Edward Skip Coburn, a retired Air Forcelieutenant colonel who worked for the past 12 yearsas executive director of the D.C. Nightlife Associationwhere hes credited with improving relations betweenbar and nightclub owners and regulators who overseethe citys booming nightlife businesses, died March 18at Howard University Hospital. He was 70.His close friend Marge Francese said the causeof death was complications associated with doublepneumonia.SKIP COBURNIt is a loss for the city, said Francese. He wouldPHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOKhelp anyone in the world. There was nobody Iknew who would help so many people.Frederick Harwood, founder and president of the D.C. Nightlife Association,said Coburns desire to help people and the city he loved prompted him to bringabout dramatic change for the better in the way bars and nightclubs interactwith the citys Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, D.C. police, andcitizens who live near nightlife businesses.Its a devastating loss for nightlife in Washington, Harwood said. He was suchan advocate, and an advocate in the best sense that he developed relationshipson both sides. He was a neighborhood activist.He went out of his way to develop a relationship with the chief of police,with many of the police commanders, with the Fire Department, and with thebuilding inspectors, Harwood said. He was so dedicated to his job. Peopleunderstood how committed he was to nightlife.Added Harwood: The whole atmosphere has changed because of the workthat Skip did to bring the regulatory authorities and the police and the ownerstogether to understand each others needs.Coburn, who identied as bisexual, was born in Richmond, Va., but grew up onmilitary bases in the U.S. and Europe as the child of a military family, Francese said.A resume Coburn prepared shortly before his death says he graduated fromthe Paris-American High School in Paris in 1964 and received a bachelors degreein political science from the University of Colorado in 1967.The resume says he entered the U.S. Air Force in 1967 as a commissionedsecond lieutenant and was stationed in multiple locations in the U.S., Europe,and Asia until the time of his retirement in 1990 as a lieutenant colonel.A biographical write-up of his military career says he ew airbornereconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War, served as an instructor andmanager at the Defense Intelligence College at Bolling Air Force Base in D.C., andlater was assigned to the Pentagon.After retiring from active duty service Coburn served as a civilian operationsocer for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Squadron at Bolling Air ForceBase from 1990 to 1998, his career write-up says.Francese said Coburn joined the sta of then-D.C. Councilmember SharonAmbrose (D-Ward 8) in 1998, where he served as a researcher until the time ofAmbroses retirement in 2002.Harwood said Coburns impact on the citys nightlife scene began shortly afterhe started in his job as executive director of the D.C. Nightlife Association in 2002.Others who knew Coburn said he provided important advice and assistance tothe citys gay bars and nightclubs on regulatory matters.The Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration was deeply saddenedto learn of the loss of Skip Coburn, said ABRA Director Fred Moosally in astatement to the Washington Blade. Skip was passionate about nightlifeissues in the District. He played a signicant role in representing the nightlifecommunity before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and was dedicated tohelping promote public safety in the District.Local nightlife advocate and business columnist Mark Lee called Coburn a tirelessand dedicated advocate for D.C. nightlife as well as for community businesses. CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

Free State Legal Project last week announced Hyattsville City Councilmember PatrickPaschall will become the organizations new executive director.Paschall will come to the Baltimore-based LGBT legal organization from the NationalLGBTQ Task Force where he was senior policy council. Paschall has also worked for theNational Center for Transgender Equality, Lambda Legal and other LGBT advocacy groups.I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to be selected for such an importantposition at such a pivotal time in the LGBTQ rights movement both nationally and inMaryland, said Paschall in a press release. We know all too well that low-income LGBTQMarylanders, and especially LGBTQ people of color, face signicant economic and socialbarriers to accessing health care, housing, employment, public accommodations, andbasic things like identity documents.Leading such an eective, life-saving organization into a future of greater successand deeper impact will be the opportunity of a lifetime, he added. I couldnt be moregrateful to the Board for trusting my leadership at such a critical time in our state.Paschall will succeed Aaron Merki, the co-founder of Free State Legal who steppeddown last October.MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Phase 1 reopening postponed

The Capitol Hill lesbian bar Phase 1, which has been closed for renovation since earlyJanuary was scheduled to reopen on March 20, according to an ad that the club placedin the Jan. 19 issue of Metro Weekly.But customers attempting to go to Phase 1 on Friday night discovered that the doorwas locked and noticed through a window on the door that the bar was dark and empty,adding to the mystery surrounding its future.No message was posted on the door or the building saying why it did not open asannounced in the ad or whether a new reopening date has been set.Phase 1 owner Allen Carroll couldnt immediately be reached to nd out when heplans to reopen the bar.Phase 1 rst opened for business in 1970. In recent years it has billed itself as D.C.soldest continuously operating gay bar and the nations oldest lesbian bar.The club announced on Jan. 8 on its Facebook page that it had closed temporarily aswe make some upgrades. But rumors surfaced that Phase 1 might not reopen whenits employees told friends their jobs had been terminated at the time the temporaryclosing was announced.I know nothing about why the Phase didnt reopen on Friday, said Ellis Lane, whohas worked for nearly 10 years as a part-time DJ at the bar up until the time it closed inJanuary. We were not told anything, Ellis told the Blade.LOU CHIBBARO, JR

Latino GLBT History Project elects new officers

The board of directors of D.C.s Latino GLBT History Project announced on March 23that it has elected veteran Latino activist Jos L. Plaza to succeed David Prez as theorganizations new president.Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Jos L. Plaza is the proud son of migrant farm workers, astatement released by the organization says. He is a doctoral candidate at the Universityof Southern California, earned a [masters degree] in counseling from California StateUniversity, Long Beach, and his BA from San Diego State University.The statement says Plaza is the National Director for Latino Engagement for EnrollAmerica and is an associate board member for the Latin American Youth Center. Hejoined the Latino GLBT History Project board of directors in 2013 and co-chaired the 7thAnnual D.C. Latino Pride event in 2013, the statement says.The board re-elected transgender activist Alexa Elizabeth Rodrguez as the groupsvice president, the statement says. A native of El Salvador, Rodrguez founded Mi NuevaFamilia, a working group for people living with HIV and trans women in her homecountry. Upon her arrival in the U.S. in 2009 she continued her work as an advocatefor HIV prevention programs, becoming involved with La Clinica del Pueblo in D.C. andCasa de Maryland. She has served on the Latino GLBT History Project board since 2013.Immigrant rights, LGBT and people with disabilities activist David Pazmio was electedsecretary of the Latino GLBT History Project, the groups statement says. He holds a BAdegree in government and masters degree in policy and plans to pursue a law degree.Existing members of the board who will continue in that role include Cristela SolorrioRuz, May Sifuentes, Jennifer Sanchez, Eric Perez, David Prez and Jos Gutierrez, thegroups founder and a longtime LGBT and Latino community activist.LOU CHIBBARO, JR.

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PEPCO AND EXELON:

EmpoweringThe DistrictWe are a diverse collection of nonprofit and business groups that represent and serve the people ofthe District of Columbia.We believe the proposed merger of Pepco and Exelon will benefit the Districts residents, communities,civic life and business environment.If approved, this merger will create savings that will be passed on in customers utility bills, saving familiesand businesses more of their hard-earned money every month. It means honoring and maintaining Pepcosstrong commitment to workforce-and supplier-diversity programs. It means more jobs for District workers.Thats good for families, local businesses, and the Districts workforce.It means millions of dollars more that could be used for programs such as bill credits, low-incomeassistance and energy efficiency programs through a $33.75 million Customer Investment Fund. It alsomeans continued annual charitable contributions and local community support exceeding Pepcos2013 level of $1.6 million for 10 years following the merger. And it means $168 million to $260 millionin economic benefits to the District. Thats good for communities and those most in need.It also means enhanced reliability of our electric grid and additional resources to speed storm restoration.It means a commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship. It means continued local presence andlocal leadership. And it means millions of dollars more invested in our local economy. Thats good for all of us.

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May wins Stein Club endorsement in Ward 8 race

Bowser-backed candidate iscompeting in special electionfor D.C. Council seatBy LOU CHIBBARO JR.lchibbaro@washblade.comCommunity activist LaRuby May onTuesday won the endorsement of theGertrude Stein Democratic Club in herrace for the Ward 8 D.C. Council seat onthe ballot in an April 28 special election.The seat became vacant in Novemberfollowing the death of Council memberand former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry.May, a Democrat who is being backedby Mayor Muriel Bowser, received therequired 60 percent of the vote neededfor a Stein Club endorsement by a onevote margin while nishing far ahead ofsix other candidates competing with herfor the endorsement.Im excited and blessed and verygrateful for the support of the GertrudeStein Democrats, she said after the votewas announced.The vote came after an hour-long

candidates forum held at Bethlehem

Baptist Church in Anacostia, which wasattended by about 200 people. The forumwas moderated by Channel 7 Newscorrespondent Sam Ford who askedthe candidates questions on a variety ofLGBT-related subjects.The voting was restricted to the 60 clubmembers who attended the forum. Mayreceived 36 votes, which came to exactly60 percent of the vote of the members inattendance.Sheila Bunn, former chief of sta for D.C.Congressional Delegate Eleanor HolmesNorton and a high-level staer for formerMayor Vincent Gray, nished secondwith 13 votes. Veteran D.C. voting rightsadvocate Eugene Kinlow came in third placewith six votes followed by businessmanand community activist Marion ChristopherBarry, the son of the former mayor andcouncilmember whose seat hes seeking toll, who received 3 votes.Longtime community activist SandraSeegars received 1 vote. CandidatesJuahar Abraham and Stuart Andersondidnt receive any votes. One ballot wascast for no endorsement.

I was not expecting such a full house,

said Stein Club President Earl Fowlkes,referring to the packed church meetinghall where the forum was held. We hada good representation of Ward 8 andothers from across the city, he said. Iwas very pleased.Fowlkes said the candidates presentedthemselves well on LGBT issues.I think we have a lot of support forLGBT rights in Ward 8, he said. I knowthat LaRuby May will be a good CityCouncil member.He said he was especially pleased over thewarm welcome the club received from Rev.James Coats, pastor of Bethlehem BaptistChurch, who greeted forum participantsin opening remarks in which he expressedsupport for the LGBT community.Several of Stein Club members whowork for the Bowser administration,including gay activist Christopher Dyer,attended the forum wearing May stickersor t-shirts, indicating to some membersthat the mayors support for May likelyhelped her win the club endorsement.May served as the Ward 8 coordinatorfor Bowsers mayoral campaign last

year. She currently serves as executive

director of Vision of Victory CommunityDevelopmentCorporation,whichcarries out economic and communitydevelopment projects in Ward 8.In responding to questions by Fordduring the forum Tuesday night, Mayappeared knowledgeable on LGBTrelated issues and showed a depth ofunderstanding greater than the othercandidates, according to Stein Clubmembers who support her.Gay activist and longtime Ward 8community leader Phil Pannell said hesremaining neutral in the Ward 8 electionbecause hes organizing two other candidateforums for the race. But Pannell, a SteinClub member, said May won the clubsendorsement, among other things, becauseshe out organized the other candidates. She is working hard, took the SteinClubendorsementseriously,andrecruited her supporters to join the club,Pannell said. She is also knowledgeableabout LGBT issues as evidence by herpresentation last night. CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

Wife of murdered D.C. lawyer appeals for publics help

Police reveal personof interest is femaleBy LOU CHIBBARO JR.lchibbaro@washblade.comThe widow of 30-year-old attorney DavidMesserschmitt, who was found stabbedto death on Feb. 10 in a downtown D.C.hotel room, made an emotional appealon Wednesday for members of the publicto come forward with information to helppolice solve the crime. At a news conference outside ofD.C. police headquarters, Kim Vuong,struggling to hold back tears, urgedanyone who may have information aboutthe murder to immediately contact police.The case has attracted the attention ofLGBT activists who say it has similaritiesto so-called pickup murders of which gaymen have become victims in D.C. andother cities. I know there are people out therewho could bring justice to David andme, to our families and friends, and toeveryone in Washington who deservesto live in safety, said Vuong, who wasaccompanied by members of her familyand friends.She also called on the public to carefullyobserve a video taken from security

cameras at the Donovan Hotel, where

Messerschmitt had checked into a room,showing someone police have described asa person of interest in the case.That video captures the image of theperson of interest, she said. Please askyourself if you recognize that individual.And, if you recognize that individual, oreven think you may recognize that person,immediately call the Metropolitan PoliceDepartment at 202-727-9099.Lt. Anthony Haythe, the lead homicidedetective working on the case, toldreporters at the news conference afterVuong and the others left without takingquestions, that police now believe theperson of interest is a female. Up until the time of the newsconference, police have said they wereuncertain whether the person shown inthe video, who wore a hooded jacket, wasa man or a woman. All information that weve obtainedindicates that it is a woman, Haythe said. But he declined to answer nearly allother questions raised by reporters,including whether Messerschmitt mayhave met his killer through one ofmany online hookup sites that LGBTactivists say have been the means throughwhich gay men have met people whohave robbed, assaulted, and sometimeskilled them.

When asked by a reporter if the police

departments Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unithas been consulted in the Messerschmittcase, Haythe said, I cannot conrmanything that has anything to do with Mr.Messerschmitts lifestyle.Asked why Messerschmitt checked intoa hotel room when he lived with his wifein D.C., Haythe said, Thats informationpertinent to our investigation that Icannot reveal.LGBT activists following the case say theyhave no specic information to indicateMesserschmitt was targeted because of hissexual orientation whether gay or straight.The activists, including Paul Tupper, chairof Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence,a D.C.-based group, have said their heartgoes out to Messerschmitts wife and otherfamily members. Their main concern, Tupper and otheractivists said, was that others in thecommunity, including members of the LGBTcommunity, could be in danger if a killertargeting certain people remains at large. I would hope that if the policehave any evidence that the personDavid met was through a sex line gay or straight the public would beinformed quickly so they can be awareof any danger to them, said gayactivist Peter Rosenstein.When asked if investigators have gone

through Messerschmitts cell phone

records to see if that provides leads inthe case, Haythe said, Those are mattersthat well handle in an investigativestandpoint. Were dealing with that, andI cant reveal any information involvingwhat were going through in ourinvestigation.In the days following the discovery ofMesserschmitts body, a police adavit insupport of a search warrant for the hotelroom said police found Messerschmittsuering from stab wounds to the backand that his body was found lying on theoor with credit cards and his wallet onthe oor near the body.The affidavit also said police foundone or more condoms, lubricant, andan enema in the room along withother items, including a computer andcell phone.In one day, I lost the most importantperson in my life and the man I lovedso much, Vuong said at the newsconference. And I have no answers.She added, I am here because I needpeople to know about David. My husbandwas the gentlest and kindest heartedperson I knew. He worked hard ateverything. He was a brilliant lawyer whopeople trusted. He was deeply dedicatedto his family and spent a great deal oftime traveling to be with them.

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Blossom Kite Festival presented by Pepco & Exelon

Saturday, March 2810 AM 4:30 PM17th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington Monument Grounds

Soar into spring! Enjoy free competitions

and demonstrations, creative kites and displaysfrom around the globe, and activity and kitemaking stations.

The Gale STorm Team

Court: Obamacare prohibits

anti-trans bias in health careTrans man allegesmistreatment atMinnesota hospitalThe trial of the U.S. Marine accused of killing a transgender Philippine woman lastOctober began this weekPHOTO COURTESY OF DINDI TAN

Marine goes on trial for trans murder

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines The trial of a U.S. Marine who allegedly killeda transgender Philippine woman began on March 23.The Associated Press reported that U.S. security personnel escorted ahandcued Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton into a courtroom in OlongapoCity, which is northwest of the Philippine capital of Manila.Prosecutors contend that Pemberton murdered Laude, 26, after meeting herat an Olongapo City nightclub on Oct. 11, 2014, while the USS Peleliu was dockedat the nearby Subic Bay Freeport on the Philippines main island of Luzon.Laudes naked body was later found in a motel bathroom.The AP reported the rst person to testify during Pembertons trial was a hotelworker who identied him as the man seen with Laude shortly before she wasfound dead.Laudes death sparked widespread outrage among Philippine LGBT rightsadvocates.Pemberton faces life in prison if found guilty of Laudes murder.

Gay Miss. man brutally attacked

CORINTH, Miss. Police in a northern Mississippi town are investigatingwhether a gay man who was attacked on March 20 is the victim of a hate crime.The Associated Press reported the Corinth Police Department said JamesDavid Scott confronted Devin Norman in a Walmart parking lot over a Facebookpost that was apparently sexual in nature.Ralph Dance, chief of the Corinth Police Department, told the news wire thatScott threw Norman to the ground before kicking him several times in the face.Norman posted a picture of his injuries including a cheekbone fracture andswollen eyes onto his Facebook page.WREG, a Memphis television station, reported that Scott has admittedattacking Norman.Mississippis hate crimes law does not include LGBT-specic protections, butadvocates continue to urge the Corinth Police Department to prosecute thecase as such. A petition posted to the White Houses website has more than 900signatures.

Equality Virginia dinner to celebrate marriage

RICHMOND, Va. Equality Virginia will commemorate the legalization ofsame-sex marriage in the commonwealth at its annual dinner that will takeplace at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on April 18.The dinner will take place slightly more than six months after gays and lesbiansbegan to legally exchange vows in Virginia.Tim Bostic and Tony London of Norfolk and Carol Schall and Mary Townleyof Chestereld, who are among the same-sex couples who challenged Virginiasconstitutional amendment that denes marriage as between a man and awoman, are among those who are expected to attend the Equality VirginiaCommonwealth Dinner.This is the time to recognize the work that so many Virginians have put intothis ght for decades, some of whom never got to see this day, said EqualityVirginia Executive Director James Parrish in a press release. We will honoreverybodys hard work and celebrate this important time in history by throwingone big wedding reception for Virginia.

By CHRIS JOHNSONcjohnson@washblade.comIn an apparent rst, a federal courthas upheld the interpretation of nondiscrimination language on the basisof gender in Obamacare as prohibitinganti-transgender bias in the health caresystem.U.S. District Judge Susan RichardNelson, an Obama appointee on theU.S. District Court for the District ofMinnesota, on March 16 ruled thatSection 1557 of the Aordable Care Actallows individuals to sue a health carefacility if they experience discriminationbased on their gender identity.The order denies a request fromFairview Southdale Hospital in Minnesotato throw out a lawsuit led on behalf ofJakob Tiarnan Rumble, a young transman who alleges he was badly mistreatedwhile hospitalized because of his genderidentity.Noregulationsexistontheinterpretation of Section 1557, and thehospital alleges a 2012 opinion letterfrom HHS arming trans people areprotected under the law isnt binding. Thecourt nonetheless determines the lettercarries weight as it looks for guidance onthe statute.Here, the court nds the OCRsinterpretationofSection1557persuasively concludes that Section 1557protects plaintis, like Rumble, whoallege discrimination based on genderidentity, Nelson writes in the 63-pagedecision.The order could have widespreadimplications across the country for transpeople who feel theyve experienceddiscrimination in the health care systemand wish to seek restitution.Harper Jean Tobin, policy director forthe National Center for TransgenderEquality, said in a blog post the courtorder makes clear trans people haveoptions if they face discrimination.This case illustrates the need fortransgender people to stand up for theirrights in health care settings, Tobin said.Having recently experienced a stay in ahospital myself, I know that no matterwho you are, if you are trans the fearof mistreatment in medical settings isconstant. When it happens, trans peopleneed to know that, no matter where youlive, theres something you can do.The lawsuit, known as Rumble v.Fairview Health Services, was led

in June 2014 by Gender Justice, a

Minnesota-based advocacy group. Inaddition to making claims on the basisof the Aordable Care Act, the lawsuitalso alleges the hospital violated theMinnesota Human Rights Act. The courtalso allows the litigation to move forwardon the basis of alleged discriminationunder this statute.According to the order, Rumble went tothe hospital in June 2013 because he hada fever of more than 100 degrees. Eventhough indicated to the clerk he was male,the hospital labeled him as female, andhe was given an F wristband becausehis drivers license incorrectly identiedhim as such and hes listed in the hospitalcomputers as female.When the physician, Dr. RandallSteinman, came to see him after anunusually long four to ve-and-a-half hourwaiting period, the physician allegedlyasked Rumble in hostile manner [w]hoare you having sex with, [m]en, women,or both? and whether hed ever had sexwith objects. The questioning, Rumblealleges, seemed more of an attempt toembarrass him rather than treat him.During an examination, Steinmanallegedly handled Rumbles genitals in arough manner, causing the patient to cryout in pain. The doctor allegedly stated hecouldnt tell what was going on becauseof the male hormones.As Steinman continued to jab atRumbles genitals, the patient asked himto stop, but the doctor continued until hismother said something. When Steinmannally stopped, he allegedly said hecouldnt determine the problem becausebecause your mom made me stop theexam, then left the room without furtherexplanation.Rumble was eventually admitted to thehospital, where he alleges he continuedto face mistreatment for the six days thatfollowed. When he received the bill for hisstay, it indicated no insurance paymentswere made and he owed the full amount,stating, THE DIAGNOSIS IS INCONSISTENTWITH THE PATIENTS GENDER. Accordingto the order, Rumble alleges his ultimatediagnoses were conditions that aectpeople of any gender.The hospital had urged the court tothrow out on the case on the basis thatRumble failed to allege that he soughtmedical care from a health servicereceiving federal funds and didnt presentfacts demonstrating he faced dierentialtreatment on the basis of sex, sexualorientation or gender identity. The orderallowing the case to proceed denies theserequests. CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

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NATIONAL NEWS

Gay U.S. ambassadors take part in Newseum panel

Men described astrue leadersBy MICHAEL K. LAVERSmlavers@washblade.comCardinal Nicols de Jess LpezRodrguez of the Archdiocese of SantoDomingo during a June 26, 2013, pressconference referred to the openly gay manthat President Obama had nominated tobecome the next U.S. ambassador to theDominican Republic as a faggot.The U.S. Senate a few months laterunanimously conrmed James WallyBrewsters nomination in spite of continuedopposition from Lpez and otherprominent Dominican religious leaders.Brewster who is a former HumanRights Campaign board member onTuesday became emotional during apanel at the Newseum in downtownWashington as he discussed theopposition that he and his husband,Bob Satawake, continue to face in thepredominantly Roman Catholic country.We knew that thats not who theDominican people were as a whole,and I think that was important to us,said Brewster with Satawake sittingby his side. Bob and I will celebrate 27years together this year and from thatperspective we both have a very strongChristian belief and so nobody is going toever tell me that God doesnt love me.Brewster and the ve other openlygay U.S. ambassadors took part in apanel organized by HRC, the Harvey MilkFoundation and GLIFAA, a group of LGBTForeign Service membersRandy Berry, the special U.S. envoy topromote global LGBT rights, and Dennisand Judy Shepard, parents of MatthewShepard, the gay Wyoming collegestudent who was beaten to death in 1998,were among the hundreds of people whoattended the historic event.Stuart Milk, the gay nephew ofassassinated San Francisco SupervisorHarvey Milk and president of the HarveyMilk Foundation, moderated the panel.Its very important to have out and openand visible service, said Stuart Milk. Wehave to be at the table. We have to haveLGBT people visible, even in dicult places.U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius,who is a founding member of GLIFAA,during the panel noted a high schoolstudent in the Vietnamese city of Hue afew weeks ago asked him if he was gayand whether he came here with yourhusband and with your child. The boyproceeded to ask him in front of hisclassmates whether he felt comfortablein his country.Osius who assumed his post late lastyear told the student that gay members

All six openly gay U.S. ambassadors took part in a panel at the Newseum in downtown Washington on Tuesday.WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

of the Foreign Service once lost their

security clearances if they acknowledgedtheir sexual orientation.Weve made quite a lot of progressin that time, said Osius, who is raisinga three-week-old daughter and toddleraged son with his husband, Clayton Bond.When I got o the plane in Vietnam, ourswas an American family: A black man, awhite man and a brown child. And wewere received so warmly in Vietnam.U.S. Ambassador to Spain and AndorraJames Costos said he and his partnerreceived great accommodation whenthey arrived in the country and weretreated graciously.Costos during the panel noted theU.S. Embassy in Madrid initially did notdo too much with Spanish LGBT rightsadvocates because same-sex coupleswere already able to legally marry and thecountry had already adopted sweepinglegal protections. He stressed anti-LGBTemployment discrimination and bullyingremain serious problems in the country especially outside of the Spanishcapital and Barcelona in spite of lawsthat are designed to combat them.What we can do through our messagingis give a sense of hope, said Costos.U.S. Ambassador to Denmark RufusGiord noted the Nordic country in 1989became the rst nation in the world tolegally recognize same-sex couples.In spite of this historic milestone andDenmarks reputation as a tolerant country,Giord said his ambassadorship hasgenerated interest among the Danish people.When you are a United Statesambassador, who you are as a person

matters, he said. Everything you say

matters and your personal story matters.Its not just about negotiating tradedeals and the standard diplomacy,added Giord. Its who you are too.U.S. Ambassador to Australia JohnBerry, who is the former director ofthe Oce of Personnel Management,acknowledged Frank Kameny at thebeginning of his remarks.John Berry during the panel also notedTori Johnson, the gay manager of theLindt Chocolate Shop in Sydney who diedlast December during a 16-hour stando,lived with his partner of 14 years. Theformer OPM director noted the attack hasreinvigorated the Australian movementin support of marriage rights for samesex couples because the country did notrecognize Johnsons relationship.John Berry also compared Johnson toMark Bingham, the gay man who foughtback against the hijackers of United Flight93 on Sept. 11, 2001, because he lost hislife while trying to get the gun away fromthe man who stormed his caf.He is a hero, said John Berry. He is ahero to the LGBT community.U.S. Ambassador to the Organizationfor Security and Cooperation in EuropeDaniel Baer who married his husband,Brian Walsh, last August in Vienna has been among the most high proleAmerican voices against Russia in theongoing war between Ukraine andRussian separatists in the eastern part ofthe former Soviet republic.Baer during the panel acknowledgedLGBT rights eorts are backsliding ina number of places around the world.

These include bills in Kyrgyzstan and other

former Soviet republics seeking to ban socalled gay propaganda that are similar tothe Russian law that took eect in 2013.We keep pushing, said Baer. We keepdoing what were doing.

Ambassadors wonderfulrepresentatives ofthe LGBT communitySeveral social media users noted afterthe event the six U.S. ambassadors whotook part in it are all gay white men.Stuart Milk described them aswonderful representatives of theLGBT community. HRC President ChadGrin further categorized the men astrailblazers.Today there is no clearer sign ofour progress in 2015 than the fact thatthere is not one, not two, but six openlygay ambassadors serving our countryoverseas, said Grin at the beginning ofthe panel. Theyre dear friends. Theyretrue leaders.Brewster told the Washington Bladeduring a brief interview after the panelthat it makes him proud to see DominicanLGBT rights advocates and their straightallies stand behind him and Satawakewhen they face criticism.We have to just lead and that was ourobjective in being who we are and thatsbeing a couple that love each other, saidBrewster. We dont look at ourselvesas being any dierent than any othercouple. We just want to do great work forthe Dominican people.

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1 2 MA RCH 2 7 , 2 015

NATIONAL NEWS

Puerto Rico government to no longer defend marriage ban

Federal appeals courtconsidering case fromU.S. commonwealthBy MICHAEL K. LAVERSmlavers@washblade.comThe Puerto Rican government on March 20announced it will no longer defend the U.S.commonwealths same-sex marriage ban.Because of sexual orientation, PuertoRico has denied rights that others enjoy,said Justice Minister Csar Mirandaduring a press conference in San Juan.This is not correct.The announcement coincides witha brief Gov. Alejandro Garca Padillasadministration led with the 1st U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, whichis hearing a lawsuit against the islandssame-sex marriage ban.To the extent that commonwealthlaw does not aord homosexual couplesthe same rights and entitlementsthat heterosexual couples enjoy, thecommonwealth recognizes that equal

The administration of Puerto Rico Gov.

protection and substantive due process

guarantees mandate application ofheightened scrutiny in this case, readsthe brief. Under said heightenedstandard, the commonwealth cannot

responsibly advance before this court

any interest suciently important orcompelling to justify the dierentiatedtreatment aorded so far to plaintis.Garca had previously defended the gaynuptials prohibition in the case that twowomen from San Juan led in March 2014.Four additional same-sex couples,along with Lambda Legal and PuertoRico Para Tod@s, a Puerto Rican LGBTadvocacy group, joined the lawsuit threemonths later.The government of Puerto Rico nallyrecognizes that denying marriage toLGBTT people is discriminatory and cannotbe justied, said Omar Gonzalez-Paganof Lambda Legal, which is representingthe ve same-sex couples in the lawsuitagainst the U.S. commonwealths samesex marriage ban. Same-sex partners,LGBTT people and their families arepart of the rich Puerto Rican culture andsociety. The actions taken on this daycomplete the constitutional promises ofjustices and equality for LGBTT people inPuerto Rico.New York City Council SpeakerMelissa Mark-Viverito, who was born

in Puerto Rico, and also applauded the

governments announcement.We applaud and thank Gov. AlejandroGarca Padilla and his administration forchoosing to be on the right side of historyin terms of marriage equality, she saidin a statement she released with LGBTmembers of the New York City Council.His change of position is heartening.Puerto Rican LGBT families should beaorded the same rights, responsibilitiesand respect as the rest of the families.Gay Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martinalso welcomed Garcas announcement.My thanks to Gov. Alejandro GarcaPadilla for demonstrating that he is aleader who is not afraid of the challengesof the present, said Martin. Today isa great day for my island, my heart isjumping out of my chest. How proud Iam to live in a country of equality. I lovePuerto Rico.Wanda Roln, a Puerto Rican pastorwho is a vocal opponent of marriagerights for same-sex couples, told a localradio station that God would punish theisland if Garcas administration allowsgays and lesbians to legally marry.

Gay group to close if Supreme Court rules for marriage

Freedom to Marry hopeshigh court will put itout of businessBy LOU CHIBBARO JR.lchibbaro@washblade.comEvan Wolfson, president of the NewYork-based Freedom to Marry, this weeksaid hes hoping his groups work asone of the lead advocates for marriageequality will no longer be needed if theU.S. Supreme Court rules that gays andlesbians couples have a constitutionalright to marry.In an interview published on March 23by the Hungton Post, Wolfson notedthat the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduledto hear oral arguments on April 28 infour cases that are expected to prompt adecision on whether same-sex marriageshould be legal in all 50 states. The courtis expected to hand down a decision onthe matter in June.Assuming we do win the long-sought,hard-fought victory in June, Freedomto Marry this campaign will haveachieved its mission, the Hungton Postquoted Wolfson as saying. And we willend the campaign. We will close down, hetold the online publication in an interview.He added in the interview, Just roughly

Freedom to Marry President EVAN WOLFSON this week said his organization will shut down ifthe U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of gay nuptials.WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

speaking, assuming we win in June, I

would expect that a year from now, Ill beout of a job.Wolfson, an attorney, founded andbecame executive director of Freedomto Marry in 2003 at a time when publicopinion polls showed that marriageequality had little support among thegeneral public. The following year closeto a dozen states voted to pass laws oramend their constitutions to ban samesex marriage.Wolfson has been credited withmapping a long-range strategy for what

he called changing the hearts and minds

of the American people on the subjectby demonstrating how gay and lesbiancouples like opposite-sex couples should enjoy the right to marry to protecttheir families.Since he launched Freedom to Marry,37 states and D.C. have legalized samesex marriage.Wolfson told the Hungton Post thatmarriage equality advocates working onthe pending U.S. Supreme Court cases arenot taking anything for granted and weremoving ahead 100 percent full steam

to present the best possible arguments

before the high court.But if the court rules in favor ofmarriage equality he said Freedom toMarry would begin a strategic winddown process that would includearchiving its voluminous records, sharinginformation with movement colleagues,and preparing an oral history.Once its all completed, we will closedown, he told the Hungton Post.When asked by the Washington Bladewhat he plans to do if Freedom to Marrycloses about a year from now, as hehopes it will, Wolfson said he hasnt hadtime to consider such plans.Though I am asked constantly whatsnext, I am not giving it any real thought,let alone exploring whats out there, untilafter we knock on wood win in June,he told the Blade.If the high court renders a favorabledecision, he said, I will give thought towhat jobs I might want to do or causesI might want to take on, what positions Imight be able to get.Wolfson noted hes been working onLGBT rights causes, including marriageequality, for over 30 years.I need to gure out who I am whenI am not Mr. Marriage, he said. And Idont want to get distracted by thinkingabout that now, or worrying that I mightbe unemployed.

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and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: Support to cope with an adverse society. Education to enlighten an ill-informed public. Advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights.Trained facilitators lead the Arlington Support Group and confidentiality is maintained. Forfurther information about the Arlington Support Group, contact us at arl.pflag@gmail.com.Our groups meet on the second Sunday of each month, from 3 4:30pm at the UnitarianUniversalist Church in Arlington, at George Mason Drive & Route 50.A.L.Y. is a group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning Youth and Allies ingrades 7-12. Our goal is to give LGBTQ youth a safe place to gather. Trained facilitators lead theyouth group. Confidentiality maintained. For more info, contact: aly.pflagdc@gmail.com.Our Washington DC Chapter of PFLAG may be reached at 202-638-3852.

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1 4 MA RCH 2 7 , 2 015

NATIONAL NEWS

Texas Republican prominent same-sex marriage opponent

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

The conservative rebrand later in the

day discussed his presidential aspirationsduring a speech at Liberty University inLynchburg, Va.Cruz, 44, broadly reiterated his vocalopposition to marriage rights for samesex couples.Instead of a federal government thatworks to undermine our values, imagine afederal government that works to defendthe sanctity of human life and to upholdthe sacrament of marriage, he said.Cruz during his speech also accusedthe federal government of waging anassault on our religious liberty.Imagine a federal government thatstands for the First Amendment rights ofevery American, he said.

Im a constitutionalistThe Canadian-born Cruz is the rst

candidate from either party to formally

declare their presidential aspirations.The Texas Republican last October saidhe still plans to introduce a proposedconstitutional amendment that wouldban judges from overturning statemarriage laws.Im a constitutionalist, Cruz toldthe Washington Blade in January afterPresident Obamas State of the Unionaddress. From the beginning of thiscountry, marriage has been a question ofthe states, and we should not have thefederal government, or unelected judges,setting aside the policy judgment of theelected legislatures and imposing theirown instead.Cruz last month reintroduced his billthat would block the federal governmentfrom recognizing the marriages of gaysand lesbians who live in states that haveyet to extend marriage rights to samesex couples. The conservative rebrandduring this years Conservative Political

Action Conference was among those who

repeatedly highlighted his opposition togay nuptials.Cruz last week introduced a resolutionalongside U.S. Sen. James Lankford(R-Okla.) that urges Congress to kill theHuman Rights Amendment Act of 2014that would protect LGBT students fromdiscrimination at religious schools inD.C. The two Republican senators alsointroduced a separate resolution thaturges federal lawmakers to strike downanother D.C. law that bans employers inthe nations capital from discriminatingagainst employees based on theirdecision to have an abortion and undergoother reproductive health procedures.The purpose of the Constitutionis, as Thomas Jeerson put it, is toserve as chains to bind the mischief ofgovernment, said Cruz during his LibertyUniversity speech.Gregory T. Angelo, executive directorof Log Cabin Republicans, on Sunday

told the Washington Blade he was not

surprised to learn that Cruz will run forpresident.Its long been known that Cruz wouldbe pursuing the presidency, said Angelo.Considering the transparency of hisambitions, its no surprise hes the rst ofthe GOP eld to make it ocial.John Fluharty, the openly gay executivedirector of the Delaware Republican Party,also weighed in on Cruzs announcementand the senators decision to highlight hisopposition to marriage rights for same-sexcouples in his Liberty University speech.The reality is that the Republican Partyrank-and-le are supporting marriageequality in numbers and ways that showthe party is headed in a pro-freedomdirection, Fluharty told the Blade. Theissues of job creation, growing theeconomy and reforming education areimportant to all families and we winwhen we focus on these issues and dontcloud the discussion.

Gaming convention threatens to pull out of Hoosier State

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Were extremely disappointed that 63

members of the Indiana House suddenlybelieve we need a new law to protectreligious freedom thats been enshrinedin our Constitution for centuries, saidFreedom Indiana, a group that opposes SB101, in a statement. We all know SenateBill 101 is about creating a license for someHoosiers to discriminate against others inthe name of faith, and we all understandthat the laws unintended consequencescould harm LGBT Hoosiers, undercut oureconomic growth and put our children atrisk.Lambda Legal and the National LGBTQTask Force also urged Pence to veto themeasure.Lawmakers in Indiana have chosento ignore an unprecedented chorusof voices speaking out in oppositionto this draconian bill, said Rea Carey,executive director of the National LGBTQTask Force, in a statement. The truth is,this new law will undoubtedly damageIndianas reputation as a welcomingplace. Instead, the state will now beviewed as completely out-of-step and aplace where it isnt good to live and dobusiness.Organizers of Gen Con, which is thelargest gaming convention in the world,have threatened to move the annualevent out of Indianapolis if Pence signsSB 101 into law.Legislation that could allow for refusalof service or discrimination against our

Indiana Gov. MIKE PENCE has said he plans

to sign a bill that critics contend would allowpeople and businesses to ignore laws basedon their religious beliefs.

attendees will have a direct negative

impact on the states economy, andwill factor into our decision-making onhosting the convention in the state ofIndiana in future years, wrote Gen ConCEO Adrian Swartout in a letter to Pence,according to the Indianapolis Star.SB 101 is among the dozens of ReligiousFreedom Restoration Acts and other antiLGBT bills that have been introduced instate legislatures in recent months.The Oklahoma Religious FreedomAct that would have barred the statefrom requiring someone to take part ina marriage ceremony that conicts with

their religious beliefs is among the eight

anti-LGBT proposals that were introducedduring the 2015 legislative session.A Mississippi law that critics contendallows business owners to deny servicesto LGBT people based on their religiousbeliefs took eect in July 2014. ThenArizona Gov. Jan Brewer earlier that yearvetoed a similar measure in her state.The Idaho House of Representatives onFriday approved a non-binding resolutionthat urges Congress to impeach federaljudges who rule in support of marriagerights for same-sex couples. The MichiganHouse of Representatives earlier this

month approved three bills that would

allow publicly-funded adoption agenciesto reject prospective foster parents basedon their moral or religious grounds.A Virginia House of Delegatessubcommittee in January killed a socalled conscience clause bill that wouldhave allowed state licensed or accreditedbusiness owners to deny service tosomeone based on their religious beliefs.Transgender rights advocates in recentweeks have begun posting we just needto pee seles online response to bills thatseek to force people to use public restroomsbased on their biological gender.

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The Baltimore Eagle, a mainstay of

Baltimores leather community since1991, closed in December 2012 followingits sale, leaving many in the communityuncertain as to the bars fate.Charles Parrish and Ian Parrishpurchased the property and vowed to reopen it again as the Baltimore Eagle afterrenovations are completed. But when IanParrish came in to further examine thepremises located at 2022 N. Charles St.following the sale, the magnitude of thework needed to complete the project was,as he put it, the worst possible case.According to the website of theCommunity Law Center, a nonprotlaw rm that provides legal services tocommunity and nonprot organizationsthroughout Maryland, There was a lienon the property that the title search didnot pick up. The property was full ofgarbage and had been used for drugsand prostitution. The roof was collapsingand the mortar between the bricks wasturning to sand. The Parrishes had to gutthe building. So far, he [sic] has expended$150,000 and the project will probablyend up costing around $1 million. Thisdoes not include the purchase price.Parrish indicated that a dumpstera day for a month was needed toremove the trash, two large box trucksof furniture and personal items weredonated to Habitat for Humanity, andeven more truckloads of items were sentfor recycling. Other work, such as theinstallation of an electrical line from BGEand a six-month permitting process, wereessential to bring the building up to code.We took bed sheets o the wallcovering structural problems. . . therewere goods and memorabilia collectedover 30 years. It was 10,000 square feet ofhoarder space, Parrish said. As a resultof these unexpected delays, the 180day requirement needed to completeconstruction was not met to satisfy theBaltimore Liquor Board, thus placing theentire project in jeopardy.Throughout this period, the Parrishfamily stated that they kept neighboringcivic associations, city ocials and othersabreast of the ongoing developments.During a contentious hearing with theliquor board on March 12, the Parrishesalong with their attorney Melvin Kodenskiargued that their application for a transferof ownership be approved since the

scope of the reconstruction warranted an

extension of the 180-day guideline.Kodenski noted that in the past, suchextensions were granted for cases of re,arson, redevelopment and other issues.He cited a case, Woodeld v. West RiverImprovement Association, which hesaid held that the board does not haveto enforce the 180-day provision, if itchooses not to.One of the three-member LiquorBoard commissioners, Dana PetersenMoore, strongly rebuked Kodenskisargument saying, all of that went out thewindow after the audit. Those policiesand procedures were wrong. Indeed,the audit she referred to criticizedprevious commissioners for disregardingMaryland law and new commissionerswere appointed two by then-Gov.Martin OMalley and one by MayorStephanie Rawlings-Blake to enforcethe rules more stringently.Tom Ward, a former judge who wasappointed to chair the board, toldKodenski to submit a legal memorandumdelineating the circumstances for why theboard should extend the timeframe. Wardremarked during the hearing, It looks tome like maybe you bought somethingthat you shouldnt have bought.Kodenski would have to nd legalprecedent but would need to go outsideof Baltimore City since the past liquorboards actions have been criticizedbased on the audit. Ward stated that ifhe cannot be convinced to extend the180-day rule after reviewing Kodenskismemorandum, the liquor license wouldbe considered dead.Much of the arguments at the March12 hearing focused on turf battles amongvarious civic associations and overprocess and not knowing the plans for theestablishment. Representatives from theCharles North Community Associationand the Charles Village Civic Associationopposed the extension. Kelly Cross,president of the Old Goucher CommunityAssociation, was in support of the projectstating that the neighborhood is in needof nightlife entertainment.Ian Parrish remains optimistic thatthese issues will be resolved and will soonunveil his new management team. Theysaid I shouldnt have bought that building,but I think this neighborhood and this barare worth the risk, Parrish told the Blade.The groundwork is laid, our constructionteam is standing by, and as soon as theeight people who oppose this project getout of the way, we can get to work.The Baltimore Eagles website stillpoints to a 2015 re-opening.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

HE A LTH NEW S

M A R C H 27, 2015 17

Syphilis rates in Chelsea highest in nation

NEW YORK Syphilis rates in New Yorks Chelsea neighborhood are growingwith city health ocials reporting 138 new cases in 2013, DNAinfo, a regionalnews agency, reports.That means Chelsea residents have 93.3 cases per 100,000 people, substantiallyhigher than the citys average of 14 cases per 100,000, the article said. Thatalso makes Chelseas rates higher than any city in the country including SanFrancisco, which had a rate of 60 cases per 100,000 people in 2013 according tothe Centers for Disease Control.The increase came amid a rise in citywide infection rates, which rose morethan 8 percentlast year, according to the Department of Healths annual report,DNAinfo reports. There were 628 cases of syphilis infections reported in NewYork City in the rst half of 2014, as compared to 585 in the same period the yearbefore. The DOH has not released the full 2014 numbers.In NYC, the vast majority of syphilis cases are among men, specically men whohave sex with men, the DOH said in a statement, blaming a widespread failureto use condoms. The increasing syphilis incidence is driven by unprotected sex.Anthony Hayes of the Gay Mens Health Crisis said that because syphilis isdicult to detect early on, the disease spreads rapidly.In those areas you have a sexual network that are likely unaware that theyhave syphilis. When you have sexual networks that are unaware that they havesomething, it is easy for it to multiply more quickly, he told DNAinfo.

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Gay, bi men more likely to tan, get cancer

McLEAN, Va. Gay and bisexual men in the United States are twice as likely asstraight men to get skin cancer, according to a new study reported on by severalnews outlets.One likely reason is that gay and bisexual men are three times more likelyto engage in indoor tanning, according to the study to be presented last weekin San Francisco at a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, USAToday reports.The study suggests that anti-tanning messages, most often aimed at youngwomen, need to be broader, says researcher Sarah Arron, an associate professorof dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco.The primary reason that men and women engage in indoor tanning isbecause of the cultural association of tanning with a healthy look and overallattractiveness, USA Today quoted Arron as having said. We need to dispel themyth of the healthy tan.Tanning, whether in the sun or in a tanning bed, can cause skin cancer,including melanoma, the most dangerous kind, according to the U.S. SurgeonGenerals oce.For the study, Arron and colleagues rst looked at data from governmenthealth surveys conducted in California between 2001 and 2009. Those surveysfound elevated rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers among gayand bisexual men but not gay and bisexual women. They also found gay andbisexual men in that state were much more likely to engage in indoor tanningthan straight men, USA Today reports.

Kramer calls AIDS scourge act of genocide

NEW YORK The Gay Mens Health Crisis honored Larry Kramer, the legendaryAIDS activist and playwright who was a founding member of the agency in 1982,at its spring gala Monday night.Upon receiving the Larry Kramer Activism Award, Kramer gave a blisteringspeech that criticized U.S. elected ocials for neglect. It was originally posted onFacebook by Peter Staley and was reproduced in several news outlets includingthe San Diego Gay & Lesbian News.HIV/AIDS has been our plague for 34 years, Kramer said. We should haveknown more about this plague by now. Thirty-four years is a very long time tolet people die.I think more and more about evil. I believe in evil. I believe evil is an act,intentional or not, of inicting undeserved harm on others, he said. Genocideis such an act. I believe genocide is being inicted upon gay people. Genocideis the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, orethnic group. Such as gay people. Such as people of color. To date, around theworld, an estimated 78 million people have become infected, 39 million of whomhave died. When we rst became acquainted with HIV there were 41 cases.The full text of his speech is available at sdgln.com.

Shame on Washington Post

Columnist defends Schock,attacks LGBT media

KEVIN NAFF is editor of the Washington Blade

and can be reached at kna@washblade.com.

The Washington Posts Steven Petrow

should stick to polite and safe-for-suburban-sensibilities columns about whichside of the aisle to sit at a gay weddingand leave the politics of outing to thosewho know something about it.For years, readers have endured thePosts irresponsible, inaccurate andsometimes downright homophobic coverage from straight-washing our obituaries to ignoring our contributions to themilitary to carefully excising any mentionof sexuality or signicant others fromnews and feature stories.And now we have Petrow, who writesthe saccharine, token Civilities column for the Style section where mostLGBT coverage is ghettoized in the Post slamming the LGBT press as shameful for making insinuations about Aaron

Schocks sexual orientation.

Whatever comes of the speculationabout Schocks sexuality if anythingever does lets not base it on his physique and sartorial choices, he writes.OK, lets set aside the teal belts,six-pack abs, narcissistic social mediaposts and Downton Abbey-inspiredoffice dcor. Schock is conspicuouslysingle, travels extensively with a maleaide and his own father felt oddly compelled to publicly deny his son is gay.Not to mention his atrocious anti-gayvoting record, a fact at odds with hismillennial status, a generation thatgenerally favors LGBT rights and acceptance. And the fact that former gay colleague Barney Frank assumed Schockhad been outed when he first learnedof his resignation is telling indeed.The LGBT media outlets speculatingabout Schock are doing so because weveseen this movie before and we know howit ends. Ask David Dreier, Mark Foley orLarry Craig, to name a few. Schock invites this speculation with the obnoxious,preening persona that hes cultivatedvia Instagram, Twitter and Mens Fitnessphoto shoots. He has spent more timedeveloping a social media following thanon crafting legislation in Congress.If Schock wants privacy, which Petrowclaims we owe him, then he should do

E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON

his job, go home and shut the door. Voila,

privacy. But you cant have it both ways.Schock doesnt get to appear shirtless innational magazines, boast of his extravagant trips on social media to thousands offollowers and otherwise live a very publiclife as a member of Congress and thendemand privacy when it comes to his sexual orientation. Its an oensive doublestandard that we never extend to straightpublic gures, yet Schock deserves kidgloves and deference?There are more problems with Petrowspiece. He writes: Of course, there aremen who have sex with other men anddont identify as gay (think about the accusations against former senator LarryCraig). Without credible witnesses, wereleft with rumors that sound more like accusations all of which feels like pinkbaiting to me.Ah, yes, poor Larry Craig. The delusional homophobe who attacked LGBTpeople at every turn while in the U.S.Senate turned out to be a self-loathingcloset case. He doesnt identify as gaybecause he hates himself and is deeplyunhealthy. And there werent accusations against Larry Craig; there was apolice ocers rst-hand account of being propositioned in a bathroom andCraigs sad, desperate excuse of havinga wide stance.Why is the Washington Post defending Larry Craig and Aaron Schock? Thisbrand of polite, deferential-to-the-powerful commentary is the antithesis of whatjournalists ought to be doing. To hellwith civilities, do your job and ask sometough questions of the powerful.As a longtime member of the LGBTmedia, I reject Petrows inane criticismand dare him to use his access and platform to write something substantiveabout these issues. As a journalist, heshould know better than to attack themessenger.Closeted public ocials and publicgures should have no place to hide.From Anderson Cooper to Jodie Fosterto Ken Mehlman, weve seen the damage the closet does and the good thatcomes from opening the door and living an honest life. Now that hes out ofCongress and free of the RepublicanPartys homophobic inuences, maybeSchock will nally come out. But thepublic ought to have no sympathy forthis fraud, who misused taxpayer andcampaign donor funds to pay for a lavish lifestyle he cant aord. He resignedonly to bring an end to the congressionalinquiries, which surely would have foundmore misdeeds. Hes not a victim and isundeserving of the Posts and Petrowsmisplaced sympathies.

PO Box 53352Washington DC 20009PHONE

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2016 race needs a Sincerity Detector

A new tool to evaluate Hillary

and her GOP opponents

KATE CLINTON is a humorist who has

Through some mysterious reserve of discipline, I did not binge-watch my way throughthe enforced sheltering-at-home caused bythe recent unpleasantness known as winter.OK, I did watch the extraordinary Transparent one whole snowy day. Otherwise I washard at work.It was time well spent. I am now waiting onpatents for two of my inventions: the combovape/sele stick and the line of clothes forseniors made entirely of airbags with tinyembedded gyroscopes calibrated to inate

when a senior is tipping.

My third invention is proving to be a devilish challenge. When Hobby Lobby got its freepass to opt out of obeying laws based onsincerely held religious beliefs, I wonderedhow and who would be measuring sinceritylevels. Hence the Sincerity Detector.Some might think this a frivolous exercise.I disagree. The detector will be essential in allright-wing, weasly, whinging, wimp-out religious exemptions. Ocial Sincerity Detector could become a sought-after civil servicejob with health and pension benets.And the device will be critical in the upcoming presidential election. Let me remind youthat in the debriefs after Hillary Clinton lostthe Democratic primary to Barack Obama,presstitutes opined that Hillarys fatal awwas that she was unable to fake sincerity.I am so on to something.And I wont lie to you. I want Hillary Clintonto be the next president of the United States.I had hoped for more time to ne-tune mySincerity Detector, but Darrell Issa, the JeanValjean of Benghazi, seems to have jumpstarted Hillarys campaign with Emailgate.Rep. ISIS is demanding a full explanation of

the emojis Hillary is fond of using: blushing

bride, yoginis, thumbs up. Its sweet, actually.While Im still getting the kinks out of thedetector, I do have some strategeric advicefor the Clinton campaign: Never do a pressconference in front of La Guernica. I dontcare if it is Picassos statement against fascism, showing the tragedies of war and thesuering of innocent civilians.The press wants something perkier,brighter. They like shiny pretty things. Itsmuch more fun for them to cover the Republican candidates sponsored by theTeahaddists and the Kork Brotherhood.Marco Free market capitalism causes democracy, except for Cuba Rubio. Rand uncomfortable with gay marriage Paul. Chrisa name so nice he used it twice Christie.Mike Reverend guns, guts, and god Huckabee. Donald Trump, probably. Jeb Bush,denitely. They miss Mitt.With the Democrats all the press has is Hillary. Sigh. And they have covered everythingalready, from Travelgate to Blue-Gap-DressGate to Vince Foster. They are bored and theytake it out on her.So my suggestion is to get some decoys

to run against Hillary. I love Elizabeth Warren

but I hope she stays right where she is andmakes life a living hell for vulture capitalistseverywhere.It shouldnt be hard to nd some willing decoy candidates. A billionaire tech dude whojust looked up from programming and nowwants to do good in the world. A billionairegay man who wants naming rights to theWhite House. A football coach who wantsto make a point about those deated balls.Somebody, anybody, on a book tour. FrancisUnderwood. President Grant. Or Melly. Sincecorporations are people now, Cinnabon canrun! Everybody loves Cinnabon.There will be twice-weekly live debates,loosely based on bracketology and the redspinning chairs from The Voice. The poolof suggested moderators: Clint Eastwood,Harper Lee, Robin Penn and, of course, RyanSeacrest.All candidates rst have to sign a waiveravowing that they will drop out of the running just before the Democratic convention. Luckily I should have my foolproofSincerity Detector up and running in timefor the waiver-signing.

I N S I DE LGB T W A S HING TON

Stand up with Scouts for Equality

D.C. fundraiser to benetgroups important work

PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights

and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularlyfor the Blade.

As a boy growing up in New York City,

Scouting was important to me. My parentsstarted me in Scouting as a Cub Scout andI went through the ranks as a Boy Scout,Explorer, and Explorer Advisor. I becameinvolved with Scoutings National Committee on Scouting for the Handicapped whenI moved to D.C. to direct the follow-up to theWhite House Conference on HandicappedIndividuals/Implementation Unit for theCarter administration. I was never out during those years of my involvement with theScouts. That was in a time when it was muchharder to come out as gay or lesbian.I went to summer camp at Ten Mile River,a Scouting camp originally endowed to theBoy Scouts by then-Gov. Franklin Roosevelt,

and my rst major trip out of New York was

a bus ride across country to attend the 25thBoy Scout Jamboree in Colorado Springs.On the way we stopped at Philmont ScoutRanch in New Mexico. It was an amazingexperience for a 13-year- old growing up onthe streets of Manhattan. Those were experiences you could only get as a Scout.Today much has changed and adults andeven boys and girls are much more comfortable being out about who they are. For theGirl Scouts it has never been a big issue, butuntil Jan. 1, 2014 you couldnt become a BoyScout if you were gay. Now we all know during those years of prohibiting membershipin the Scouts to gay boys and men, thousands of Scouts and their leaders were gay.But until 2014 young men had to hide thatfact and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)chose to keep their heads buried in the sandand pretend these Scouts didnt exist.Then along came a group called Scoutsfor Equality. They are a 501(c) (3) organization founded in 2012 composed largely ofBoy Scouts of America alumni dedicated toending the BSAs ban on gay members andleaders. They believe since Scouting provides youth with an opportunity to try newthings, provide service to others, build selfcondence, and reinforce ethical standardsit should be open to all young men. Scouts

for Equality believes these opportunities

reward Scouts throughout their lives by improving their relationships, their work lives,their family lives, and the values by whichthey live. The core leadership of Scouts forEquality all earned Scoutings highest award Eagle Scout.The rst goal of Scouts for Equality wasmet when in May of 2013 it won a vote thatchanged the policy and admitted gay Scouts.But that vote only went half-way and there isstill blatant discrimination by the Boy Scouts,which will kick out a gay Scout at age 18 andnot allow them to become a leader in the organization. Changing this incoherent policyis now the mission of Scouts for Equalityand everyone who believes in fairness andequality should support them in this mission.I had the good fortune to sit down andtalk with Zach Wahls, executive director ofScouts for Equality. He has moved its ocesto D.C. Many know Zach from his incrediblespeech as a 19-year-old University of Iowastudent when he spoke about the strengthof his family during a public forum on HouseJoint Resolution 6 in the Iowa House of Representatives. Wahls, who has two moms,spoke out to oppose House Joint Resolution6, which would have ended marriage equality in Iowa.

Zach shared the work he is now doing

with Scouts for Equality and the need theorganization has to raise money to continuetheir eorts. Like all small non-prots getting the message out is a huge step towardsuccess and that costs money. There is noquestion about the commitment and valueof the organization. What Zach explainedto me, and I admit surprised me, is the relationship between the Mormon Churchand Scouting. Fully 38,000 Scout units in theUnited States are sponsored (or charteredin BSA parlance) by the Mormon Church.While Equality Utah negotiated with the legislature in Utah to move forward on legislation to ban discrimination against the LGBTcommunity one of the biggest exemptionsin the bill is that it doesnt apply to the BSA.The larger LGBT community and our alliescant accept the ban on gay leaders in theBoy Scouts and we have to aggressivelyspeak out on this and ght it.One way we can help is to join Zach andScouts for Equality at their fundraiser onApril 14 at the Longview Gallery, 1234 9thSt., N.W., from 68 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $50 at the door or onlineat scoutsforequality.org/events. I hope youwill join me and others that evening as westand up for full civil and human rights forthe LGBT community.

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VIEWPOINT

Ghosts in the courtroom

The price paid to uphold our love

RICHARD J. ROSENDALL is a writer and activist.

Reach him at rrosendall@starpower.net.

The late gay rights pioneer Frank Kamenys exhortations ring in my ears asI anticipate arguments before the U.S.Supreme Court on whether the 14thAmendment requires states to licensesame-sex marriages.Chief Justice John Roberts, in his dissent in the 2013 Windsor case, dismissedas snippets of legislative history theevidence for decades of anti-gay animusby the U.S. government. This erasure ofour struggle is not unique to judges. TomBrokaws 2007 book, Boom! Voices of theSixties, prompted a letter from Kamenycharging, Your book simply deletes themomentous events of that decade whichled to the vastly altered and improvedstatus of gays in our culture today.Such deletions inspired the re-estab-

lishment in late 2011 of the Mattachine

Society of Washington, D.C. (MSDC),which Kameny founded in 1961 but allowed to lapse in 2006. The new MSDCis dedicated to archive activism for LGBTequality. As an ocer of the earlier organization, I joined Charles Francis, who ledthe successful eort to preserve the Kameny Papers at the Library of Congress,in creating the new one.Mattachines research led to the March6 ling of its amicus brief in Obergefellv. Hodges and related cases by its legalcounsel, McDermott Will & Emery LLP.The brief complements The PeoplesBrief prepared for the Human RightsCampaign, which explores the historicaland political context of state marriagebans. The Mattachine brief states:Original source materials obtainedand recently released by the MSDC reveal the backdrop of animus in front ofwhich the states enacted the bans nowat issue. The historical background reveals a culture of animus against LGBTAmericans, justications for excludingthem from the privileges given to all otherAmericans.After World War II, the federal government began ring its homosexual employees, armed with the FBIs Sex Deviate program in 1951 and President Eisenhowers

Executive Order 10450 in 1953. The Civil

Service Commission (CSC), later renamedthe Oce of Personnel Management(OPM), conducted the purge. After adversecourt rulings, CSC adjusted its argumentsto continue ring people for private, consensual behavior that was irrelevant totheir jobs. It even expelled heterosexually married father William Dew for a fewsame-sex encounters as a student; hefought for years before being restored.It is a grim history. Eisenhower adviserArthur Vandenberg, Jr. was forced to resign when the FBI learned of his homosexuality. CSC General Counsel L.V. Meloyused a sensational Florida investigativereport to purge federal employees. CSCChairman John W. Macy, Jr. denied prying into peoples private sex lives despiteCSCs investigations, then said, We seeno third sex, no oppressed minority orsecret society, but only individuals.CSC persisted after being rebuked bya federal appeals court in 1971. By the1970s, the brief states, the Commissionhad reluctantly slowed its purge. But thelie about a gay security threat lingered.In the 1990s, President Clinton armeda cultural shift with executive orders barring anti-gay discrimination in securityclearances and federal civilian service. Yetas late as the George W. Bush administra-

tion, Special Counsel Scott Bloch fought

gay protections.The marriage cases being argued April28 call to mind Kamenys deant 1969statement to the Defense Departmentin the security clearance case of BenningWentworth, concerning a previous applicant known only by his case number:OSD 66-44 may have compromised. Hemay have crawled. He may have groveled.He may have submitted to Departmental blackmail of the most contemptiblekind. We will not. We stand our ground.We throw down the gauntlet, clearly, unequivocally and unambiguously. Thesebracing words stir both pride and sorrowat the price still paid to uphold our love.The Mattachine brief, and the archivalrescue that went into it, is in partial payment of an historic debt. But victory inthe marriage cases will not complete thatdebt. The thousands, living and dead,who were persecuted by their own government because of whom they loved,deserve a formal apology like the oneOPM Director John Berry gave Frank Kameny in 2009. Even as we move forward,we reclaim our roots. We cannot allowour gay foremothers and forefathers tobe forgotten.Copyright 2015 by Richard J. Rosendall. Allrights reserved.

VIEWPOINT

Supporting our students mental health

We must address suicide sokids dont suffer in silenceBy ROBERT COOK & TIMM WESTOn March 4 a collection of concernedcitizens, nonprot leaders, and leadersfrom the private sector gathered in ournations capital to launch the Change Direction Initiative to change the story inAmerica about mental health, mental illness and wellness. As the leaders of TeachFor Americas Native Alliance and LGBTQInitiatives, we couldnt be more thrilled.We talk a lot in our jobs about the academic and socioeconomic barriers facingour students. Here in Washington, D.C.,one-third of adults are functionally illiterate,and the poverty rate in neighboring PrinceGeorges County has more than doubledin the last 10 years. Statistics like theseshow us that Americas education systemisnt working for all students, and attainingan excellent education can be signicantlyharder for those growing up in poverty. But,what we also need to be talking more about

and what Change Direction is helping to

amplify is the critical importance of ourstudents mental health and wellness.A student who lacks either isnt a studentwho can show up to the classroom ready tolearn or in some cases, show up at all.Our hearts are heavy with the studentsweve witnessed throughout our lives from the children we grew up with to thosewe work with today whose futures wererobbed by their personal pain and suering.Suicide is the second leading cause of death and 2.5 times the national rate forAmerican Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN)youth aged 15-24. Lesbian, gay, and bisexualyouth are four times more likely to attemptsuicide as their straight peers; questioningyouth are three times more likely.For us, these students are more than justnumbers. Theyre humans who have left apermanent impression on our hearts.We both know rsthand the devastatingimpacts of suicide. Where Robert lives onthe Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,the tribal president has issued a state ofsuicide emergency after losing ve youngpeople since December. When Robert was

principal of Pine Ridge High School he lost

three students to suicide.Growing up, Timm masked his sexual orientation through strict adherence to masculine codes and silence whenever LGBTQpeople were taunted. But such passingbrought guilt that culminated in a suicide attempt at 16. We continue to see this struggle in todays youth from Leelah Alcorn toRonin Shimizu who arent as fortunate asTimm was in surviving and growing to havehis identity armed, allowing him to lead ahealthy and open life.As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we believe strongly inhelping to address health and wellness issues for our students and their families and for our own corps of teachers. Well becontinuing this conversation online at ourTeacherPop blog, where teachers can ndreal-life stories and strategies to help address mental health in their classrooms.The reality is that while AIAN and LGBTQyouth attempt and commit suicide at disproportionately high rates, this is an issuethat aects all of our children. One out ofevery six ninth-through-12th graders na-

tionwide seriously considered suicide in the

past year.We must continue to bring awareness tothis issue so our students dont have to suffer in silence. This is a problem we all mustcare about.You can start by learning Change Directions 5 Signs of Suering: withdrawal, agitation, hopelessness, decline in personal careand change in personality. If you recognizethat someone in your life is suering, reachout and oer help. Show compassion, caring, and a willingness to nd a solutionwhen the person may not have the will ordrive to help him- or herself.We are heartbroken by the many students and young people in our communities whose limitless potential was cut short.Please visit changedirection.org and pledgeto change the story around mental health,mental illness, and wellness.ROBERT COOK sits on the board of theNational Indian Education Association andis the senior managing director of Teach ForAmericas Native Alliance Initiative. TIMMWEST is managing director of Teach ForAmericas LGBTQ Initiative.

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VISIT US AT CFA.GMU.EDU

Todd Ellison and Friends

BBC Concert Orchestra

Classic Broadway

MOMIX

Keith Lockhart, conductor; Charlie Albright, piano

Alchemia

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 AT 4 P.M.

Sought-after music director and conductor Todd Ellison returnsto the Center for the Arts bringing the classics of his world Broadway! Joined by some of Broadways finest singers, Ellisonand his Friends will entertain you with songs from favorite showssuch as South Pacific, Flower Drum Song, Annie Get Your Gun,and many more. Youll feel like youre in New York City!$46, $39, $28 ff

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 AT 8 P.M.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 AT 8 P.M.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 AT 8 P.M.Its MOMIX! Known for their athletic virtuosity, outstandinginnovation, inventive props, and vibrant, sometimes outrageous,costumes, MOMIX is bringing a new work: a visually arrestingtheatrical experience full of whimsy, beauty, and intrigue aboutthe art of alchemy. The mad and marvelous troupe has all of themesmeric power of a magic show. (Globe and Mail)$48, $41, $29

Ravel: Le Toubeau de Couperin, Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major,

Walton: Crown Imperial, Vaughn Williams: Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1in E minor, Britten: Variations and Fugue on a Theme of PurcellUnder the baton of principal conductor Keith Lockhart, also theconductor of Boston Pops, BBC Concert Orchestra performsmusic of British and French composers and is joined by pianistCharlie Albright. Its style is gutsythe ensemble is solid.(Los Angeles Times)$60, $51, $36

ff = Family Friendly performances that are most suitable for families with younger children

Ratication of Presbyterianvote brings marriage rightsBy MICHAEL K. LAVERSmlavers@washblade.comPresbyterians in the D.C. area have forthe most part welcomed their churchsdecision to ocially recognize same-sexmarriages.Rev. Jerey Krehbiel of Church of thePilgrims near Dupont Circle said Mondayhe is very pleased with the result of thePresbyterian Church (USA) Oce of theGeneral Assemblys March 17 approvalof a change to language within thedenominations constitution to describemarriage as what the Associated Pressdescribed as a commitment betweentwo people.The Presbyterian General Assembly,the churchs top legislative body, last yearapproved the redenition of marriagewithin its constitution. The majority ofthe denominations 171 presbyteries,however, needed to ratify the proposal.It will take eect on June 21.Its been something weve beenworking on for several years, Krehbielsays.Alex McNeill, a transgender man who ispresident of More Light Presbyterians, a

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Rev. ASHLEY GOFF and Rev. JEFFREY KREHBIEL at Church of the Pilgrims.

group for LGBT people in the church, also

welcomed the recognition of same-sexmarriages.We greeted the news on Tuesdayjoyfully, McNeill, who lives in Hyattsville,Md., says. There are so many folkswithin our denominations who havebeen waiting decades for the churchto recognize their marriages and theirfamilies.Rev. G. Wilson Gunn, Jr., generalpresbyter of the National Capital

Presbytery, which oversees 108 churches

in the D.C. metropolitan area, saysthere are several pastors and elderswho both supported the change in ourchurch constitution to allow same-gendermarriage and those who opposed theissue.We include in our presbyterysignicant leaders on both sides of thisissue, he says.A newspaper in Upstate New York onMarch 23 reported that a local church

MARCH

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has begun to formally separate itself

from the Presbyterian Church (USA)in response to the decision to acceptsame-sex marriages. The AssociatedPress noted that 428 churches eitherdissolved or entered more conservativedenominations in the two years after thePresbyterians allowed gays and lesbiansto become pastors.Franklin Graham, son of Rev. BillyGraham, is among those who havecriticized the church for redeningmarriage.In his word, the Bible, God has alreadydened marriage, as well as sin, and weshould obey that rather than lookingfor ways to redene it according to thedesires of our culture, wrote the youngerGraham on his Facebook page. Marriageis dened as between a man and awoman end of discussion. Anythingelse is a sin against God, and He will judgeall sin one day.Jim Moseley, executive presbyterof the New Castle Presbytery, whichincludes congregations in Delaware andMarylands Eastern Shore, says membersof his presbytery earlier this month metand voted to support the redenition ofmarriage.CONTINUES ON PAGE 33

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2 4 M A RCH 2 7 , 2 015

Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R CO N N O R J . H O G A N

How long have you been out and who was

the hardest person to tell?Ive been out to my friends since I wasabout 14, but I kept it from my familyfor quite some time. I was from the onlySouthern Baptist family in New York, and myfamily was very devout. I knew I couldnt tellthem because they would react poorly. Westill dont really talk about it.Whos your LGBT hero?I identify with Truman Capote a lot.Whether its our mutual obsession withSouthern culture despite being ostracizedfrom it or our shared love of a lavish themedparty, I like to think Truman and I would getalong quite well.

Whats Washingtons best nightspot, past

or present?Hands down, its GAY/BASH at the BlackCat. Its one of the few places that Ive seen Ls,Gs, Bs, Ts and all others partying together tothe best music. Plus, its got some great dragperformances by queens doing things youwouldnt see at Town.WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMOjoeyd@washblade.comWhile wearing many hats to get a start-up o the ground may soundstressful to some, Connor J. Hogan nds it exciting.Im one of those people who if I dont have a million balls in the air, I feellike Im doing nothing, the 26-year-old Deer Park, N.Y., native says.He started HalfMad Theatre three years ago with his friend ElizabethDapo, citing an urge to produce his own work and to be kind of a theatricallaboratory for me and my friends. Hogan also works with other companiessuch as Contellation Theatre, WSC Avant Bard and others, but says HalfMadgives him a chance to act, direct, write, market and more.The current show, Shakespeares The Winters Tale, adapted by Dapo, tellsof Hermione queen of Sicily, who nds that calamity strikes while celebratingher young sons birthday. Remaining performances are Friday and Saturdaynight at 8 and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Capital Fringes new Trinidad Theatre (1358Florida Ave., N.E.). Pride night is Saturday when $10 tickets will be oeredwith the discount code PRIDE. Details at halfmadtheatre.com.Hogan is single and lives in Logan Circle.

Describe your dream wedding.

Renting a sleeper train that goes acrossthe country and having the ceremony andthe reception on the moving train. Wed planfor the train to stop wherever my husbandand I are having our honeymoon, have onelast night with our wedding party, then sendthem all home.What non-LGBT issue are you mostpassionate about?Exposing children to the arts at an earlyage. I wouldnt be the person I am todayif I hadnt discovered theater and beenencouraged to pursue it. Kids need to learnhow to be kids and I think the arts lets youexplore sides of you that math, science andsports dont.

What historical outcome would you

change?To prevent the Library of Alexandria fromburning down. Who knows what would havechanged if we still had all that knowledge?

Whats been the most memorable pop

culture moment of your lifetime?For me, its probably when Sleater Kinneygot back together. If you havent listened to ityet, denitely give No Cities to Love a try. Itsa fucking incredible album.On what do you insist?That you have a good time. What was your last Facebook post orTweet?I posted the D.C. Theatre Scene review ofmy most recent show, The Winters Tale.If your life were a book, what would thetitle be?I partied a lot in college. Once someone

told me that I partied to excess, and my

friend quickly replied, What do you mean?Excess is our forte. So if I was going to writemy autobiography, it would probably be titledExcess is Our Forte. Also, I really haventstopped partying.If science discovered a way to changesexual orientation, what would you do?I used to think I would become straight,but now, I love myself too much to changeanything about who I am.What do you believe in beyond thephysical world?Above all else, I believe in love in all itsforms.Whats your advice for LGBT movementleaders?That, although its an important step,marriage equality is not the only problemfacing our community. As a gay white man, Iknow that we can be the loudest voices in theLGBT community. I want to create open andsafe spaces for queer, trans, lesbian, bisexualand gay people to have open discussionsaround issues that they are facing every day.What would you walk across hot coalsfor?My best friend, Mary.What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?I think the gay male obsession with theperfect body hurts us more and more everyday. I think everyone needs to take a chill pilland just have a conversation. And abs, justlike beauty, dont last forever.Whats your favorite LGBT movie?I love both Hedwig and the Angry Inchand A Single Man.

Whats the most overrated social custom?

Small talk can be pretty annoyingbut understand how its useful in socialinteractions. I think talking in euphemism isreally annoying to me. If you have somethingto say, you should say it. What trophy or prize do you most covet?Trophies and prizes just really dont appealto me. I mean, I guess it would be nice tobe recognized for my hard work, but what Ireally appreciate is a kind word from a personI respect or look up to.What do you wish youd known at 18?Every step is not the destination. Why Washington?Ive been asking myself this question a lotrecently. I really love this city and everything ithas to oer from the arts to the restaurantsto the bars. However, theres a culture ofcompetition here that kind of sticks me thewrong way. But D.C. isnt done with me yet. Istill have so much to discover and learn.

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Local LGBT-affirmingchurches, synagoguesto hold servicesBy MARIAH COOPEREditors note: This listing is not meantto be comprehensive as many churchesin the region are LGBT-arming. Otheractive local congregations with LGBTclergy or strong allied clergy include (butare not limited to) Inner Light Ministries(innerlightministries-dc.com),UnityFellowship Church D.C. (ufcdc.com), AllSouls Memorial Episcopal Church inWoodley Park (allsoulsdc.org), Dignity/Washington(dignitywashington.org),Covenant Baptist United Church ofChrist (covenantdc.org), St. GeorgesEpiscopal Church (stgeorgesdc.org),St. Stephen and the IncarnationEpiscopal Church (saintstephensdc.org), St. Thomas Parish in DupontCircle (stthomasdc.org), Calvary BaptistChurch (calvarydc.org), Church of thePilgrims(churchofthepilgrims.org),Mount Vernon Place United MethodistChurch (mvpumc.org), RavensworthBaptist Church in Annandale, Va., et. al.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27TempleEmanuel(10101Connecticut Ave., Kensington, Md.) hasa Kulanu Shabbat Service today at 6:30p.m. dubbed Building Communityby Sharing Our Stories. The KulanuCommittees mission is to celebratediversity within the temple community.Details at templeemanuelmd.org.

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY CALLIE MARIE WALKER

traditional service at 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2(HOLY THURSDAY)National City Christian Church (5Thomas Circle, N.W.) holds a Stationsof the Cross service at 5 p.m. today.Metropolitan Community Churchof Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.)has a Holy Thursday service at 7 p.m.St.MargaretsEpiscopalChurch (1830 Connecticut Ave., N.W.)has a Holy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3(GOOD FRIDAY)St.MargaretsEpiscopalChurch (1830 Connecticut Ave., N.W.)holds a Good Friday service from noon3p.m. There will also be Stations of theCross and a Passion narrative.FoundryUnitedMethodistChurch (1500 16th St., N.W.) holdsGood Friday services today at noonand at 7 p.m.The United Church (1920 G St.,N.W.) holds a Good Friday service inGerman today at noon.Metropolitan Community Churchof Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.)holds a Good Friday service at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4(FIRST DAY OF PASSOVER)Sixth and I Historic Synagogue (600I St., N.W.) holds Saturday morningservices with MesorahDC at 9:30 a.m.The traditional service includes songsand stories and is aimed toward those

in their 20s and 30s. Service is free.

Washington Jewish CommunityCenter (1529 16th St., N.W.) oersa community seder at 7 p.m. CantorMichael Zoosman will lead the seder.The celebration will include a Passovermeal with all of the traditional foods.Bet Mishpachah, a D.C. LGBTarming synagogue, has several eventsthis weekend. Its members meet at theWashington Jewish Community Center(1529 16th St., N.W.). Details at betmish.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5(EASTER)WashingtonNationalCathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.)holds numerous Easter services today.There will be morning Easter services at8 and 11 a.m. There will be an Easter DayChoral Evensong featuring the CathedralChoir of Men and Boys at 4 p.m. At 5:15p.m. there will be an Easter Day OrganRecital featuring Cathedral organistsChristopher Betts and Benjamin Straleyalong with guest trumpeters ChuckSeipp and Amy McCabe.St. Margarets Episcopal Church(1830Connecticut Ave., N.W.) celebrates Easterwith services at 9 and 11:15 a.m.National City Christian Church (5Thomas Circle, N.W.) celebrates Easterwith a gospel worship service at 8:30a.m. and a traditional service at 11 a.m.FoundryUnitedMethodistChurch(1500 16th St., N.W.) has Easterservices at 9:30 and 11 a.m.The United Church (1920 G St.,N.W.) holds a bilingual Easter service inGerman and English at 11 a.m.Metropolitan Community Church ofWashington(474 Ridge St., N.W.) oersEaster services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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PHOTO BY AUTUMN DE WILDE; COURTESY OF STRATHMORE

Broadway legend McDonald at Strathmore

Broadway legend Audra McDonald performs at the Strathmore (10701Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m.McDonald is a six-time Tony Award winner and two-time Grammy Awardwinner. She has performed in Broadway shows such as Porgy and Bess andLady Day at Emersons Bar and Grill. She has also been on television showslike Private Practice. There will be a free pre-concert lecture by Music TheaterDepartment Chair Kevin Kuchar at 6:30 p.m. The lecture will explore McDonaldsmusic style and career.Tickets range from $35-85. For details, visit Strathmore.org.

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Out concert pianist to give recital

British pianist Stephen Hough performs at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St.,N.W.) in the Terrace Theater on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.Presented by Washington Performing Arts, the show includes Houghperforming music by Debussy and Chopin. Hough also performs regularly withthe National Symphony Orchestra.Tickets are $49. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.

Folk singer Eli Conley performs at

Ebenezers Coeehouse (201 F St. N.W.)on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.VirginianativeConley,whostransgender, released his debut albumAt The Seams in 2013. He has performedwith Grammy winner Kimya Dawson, theRev. Peyton and Chris Shiett. Conleywill be joined by singers Angie Head andHumble Tripe.Tickets are $10. For more information,visit ebenezerscoeehouse.com.

7:30pm Worship with Communion at Metropolitan Memorial*

Good Friday Services

Noon3pm Seven Last Words at Metropolitan Memorial

Easter Vigil through DC

Noon - Meet at Our St. Lukes Mission Center (3655 Calvert St., NW)

Coward classic iscolorful spirit dramaBy PATRICK FOLLIARDGayplaywrightNolCowardsBlithe spirit was an instant hit when itpremiered in 1941 and has delightfullyendured over the years.And now at National Theatre, AngelaLansbury, another force of nature withuncanny staying power, is reprising herTony Award-winning take on the ghostlycomedys eccentric medium, MadameArcati, a part she rst played in the 2009Broadway revival.Reportedly penned by Coward overve paranormally inspired days, BlitheSpirit ranks as one of his most popularworks. The plot is simple: Researchinga new storyline, successful novelistCharles Condomine invites local mediumMadame Arcati to conduct a sance at hishome in the Kent countryside. On handfor the occasion are Charles skepticalwife Ruth and genial neighbors Dr. andMrs. Bradman.When Madame Arcati unwittinglysummons the spirit of Charles late rstwife Elvira (pronounced Elveera), the wellrun Condomine household dissolves intochaos. Now stuck in the material world,mischievous Elvira who can only beseen by Charles strikes on a plan toreclaim her earthly mate and make lifemiserable for his current wife, not theideal mnage trois.Though Charles enjoys the visitingghosts attention and her sense of fun, hedoes his best to keep her in check. Afterall, he knows Elvira well: I rememberher physical attractiveness, which wastremendous, and her spiritual integrity,which was nil.Staged by Michael Blakemore andgorgeously designed by Simon Higlett,this Blithe Spirit ran on Londons WestEnd last year (dierent from Broadways2009 revival). And its an impressivelydrawn work. Theres the expansivedrawing room with exposed beams andbillowing drapes. The incidental period

music, including a plainti Always, was

recorded by Broadways Christine EbersolEaster Sunday April 5(who played Elvira on Broadway). And the6:15am Sunrise Service at Kay Spiritual Life (4400 Mass. Ave., NW)special eects would make the angriest9am & 11:15am Worship at Metropolitan Memorial*poltergeist proud.Festival Choirs, Brass, Timpani, and Handbells. Brunch after each serviceThe cast is stellar. Charles is played11am Rockin Gospel Worship at Wesley* (5312 Conn. Ave., NW)by Charles Edwards (best known fromDownton Abbey; he played MichaelGregson, the disappeared publisher andgreat love of luckless Lady Edith). Edward3401 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 202.363.4900gives a terric comic turn as a suave guyChildrens Sermon Childcare Available Ample Parkingwho loses his cool. As Ruth, Charlotte*FRee ChiLDCARe AvAiLABLeParry is wonderfully uptight yet elicitssome sympathy; imagine cohabitatingwith your spectral rival. And MelissaWoodbridge makes a very earthy Elvira her ghost is sexy and playful. Theneighbors, charmingly played by Britishactor Simon Jones and Broadways SandraAt Temple Shalom, we work to create a community that accepts us as we are andShipley are game but well-behaved. Andsupports us on our lifes journey. The strength of the Temple Shalom family canSusan Louise OConnor makes hay withthe role of a dim housemaid.be felt in all of the services, programs, and activities, and is built upon diversity.But of course Lansbury is the big draw.The 89-year-old star is best known forPlease come experience a Shabbat with us, drop-inplaying nosy sleuth Jessica Fletcher of TVsto one of our religious school classes, or attend oneMurder, She Wrote, but her vitae alsoof our many events and programs.boast big screen classics (Gaslight, TheManchurian Candidate) and Broadwaymusicals (Gypsy, Mame and Sweeny8401 Grubb roadTodd). Dressed in colorful bohemianChevy Chase, Md 20815getups with red braids coiled on eitherinfo@teMpleshaloM.netside of her head, Lansburys Madame301.587.2273 templeshalom.netArcati is the perfect amalgam of silly andsolemn. She takes her work particularlyADVERTISINGseriously (Amateur is a word I cannotPROOF#1 fools norISSUE DATE: 03.27.15SALES REPRESENTATIVE: JERYL PARADE (jparade@washblade.com)tolerate) and suersneitherskeptics gladly. Yet shes not at all stuy.REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date ofproof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours ofThis medium travels countrylanes bythe date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pittsREVISIONSomnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser isbicycle, knocks back martinisand adoresresponsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which usersREDESIGNcan link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws orTEXTREVISIONSany rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of anycucumber sandwiches.copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfairIMAGE/LOGO REVISIONScompetition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,Madame Arcati is no tinycameo.Its aor any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba theADVERTISER SIGNATURENOREVISIONSwashington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and allBy signing this proof you are agreeing to your contrliability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurredkey part with loads of dialogue and lotswashington blade newspaper. This includes but is nby brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representationspayment and insertion schedule.andwarranties.of physical business including herky-jerkytrances and collapsing onto divans. Andlike Lansbury, Cowards comedic chestnutstill works. And here his wit, wisdom andstagecraft continue to shine.

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exhibition and an array of musical performances with a DJ keeping the partygrooving until midnight. Check CultureCapital.com for a complete NationalCherry Blossom Festival event schedule.

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Holy Week Schedule

Sunday, March 29, 2015

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

SUE JACOBY and CHRISTINE WIRTH, a rookie and veteran respectively, of the D.C. StrokesRowing Club.

9:30 & 11:00 AM

Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli preaching on The Life App

Childcare, Childrens Sermon & Sunday School at both services

Maundy ThursdayStrokes membersdiscovered athleticpassion later in lifeBy KEVIN MAJOROSIn the continuing Blade series on theveterans and rookies that make up theLGBT sports teams in Washington, wetake a look at two rowers from the D.C.Strokes Rowing Club.The Strokes have wrapped up theirwinter dryland training and took to theAnacostia River for the rst time thisyear just last week. The two womenspotlighted here did not have sportsbackgrounds before joining the Strokesand have since redened themselves ascompetitive athletes.Christine Wirth, who is 25 and fromColumbia, Md., noticed the Strokes at theCapital Pride parade and after graduatingfrom the University of Maryland, decidedto register for their Learn to Row programin the spring of 2014.I tried one semester of rugby incollege, but other than academics, I hadnever been on a team, Wirth says. Myonly sports activities were recreationalbiking and running.Following the completion of her Learnto Row classes, Wirth attended a Strokesbarbeque where the veterans were onhand to encourage the rookies to join thenovice program.Wirth signed on and during the rstmonth of the novice program, theveterans serve as volunteer coxswains tohelp navigate the rookies in their boats sothere are no crashes.The Strokes oer a lot of interactionwith the veterans, which was importantbecause I had so many questions, saysWirth. I also enjoyed the women of D.C.Strokes practices on Sundays.During the rst year of the noviceprogram, the rowers compete in onesprint race and three head races (longerdistance). Wirth found that the sportagreed with her in several ways.It has been a crazy transition into beingan athlete but it suits me really well,Wirth says. You use all your muscles in

Thursday, April 2, 2015

7 PM Communion & Adoration of the Cross

the sport of rowing. Everything burns.

Wirth completed her rst year of wintertraining and will continue in the noviceprogram this year and compete in fourDuring this service we will have communion along with foot/hand washsprint races once the sprint series beginsing, and time at the cross.in June at the Stonewall Regatta which ishosted by the Strokes.Its been great meeting people outsideof the bar scene, Wirth says. I also justran in my rst Rock n Roll half marathonand I could denitely feel the benets ofthe extra cardio from the Strokes winterdryland training.Sue Jacoby also noticed the Strokes inthe Capital Pride parades. When she wasworking on her doctorate, she also lookedfor them training as she crossed the riverbridge. As a gift to herself for completingher Ph.D., she registered for the Learn toJoin us in Stead Park (right behind Foundry) for our annual Easter EggRow program in 2007, became hooked onHunt. Everyone is welcome.the sport and never looked back.Jacoby was raised in Florida, moved to D.C.25 years ago and works as an educationaladministrator. She also had no experienceas an athlete in high school or college.I had a phenomenal novice coach whohelped me fall in love with rowing, Jacobysays. It is a combination of an individualRev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli preaching on The Life Appand team sport. In the boat, you can beChildcare, Childrens Sermon & Sunday School at both servicesin sync with three or seven people onlyto have it change in a moment dependingon the water or the team.1500 16th Street NW | (202) 332-4010 | www.foundryumc.orgJacoby went on to join the competitiveA Reconciling Congregation | We welcome everyone!team and has since raced at USRowingMasters Nationals, the World OutGames andthe prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta.Jacoby is quick to point out that thesport requires a huge commitment.Practices are at 5:30 a.m. and it is oftencold and dark. As a veteran, she knowsits important to welcome rookies, teachthem the basics and show them thethings that will encourage them to remainin the sport.The rookies are the future life blood ofthe team, says Jacoby. They will play acritical role in the growth of the team andfurthering the team.Jacoby goes on to say that the rookiesA D Vbring a level of energy, enthusiasm andPROOF#1that reminds her of all theISSUESALES REPRESENTATIVE: JERYL PARADE (jparade@washblade.com)curiositygreatDATE: 03.27.15things that come from the sport and howREVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.lucky she is to be a part of it.

Good FridayFriday, April 3, 2015Noon & 7:00 PM

Holy Saturday

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the dateof proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimediallc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsiblefor any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link throughthe advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of thirdparties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent,trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition,defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, or any other rightof any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) andto hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages,

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E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade.

com two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specic eventsor those with LGBT participants. Recurringevents must be re-submitted each time.

TODAYMale vocal ensemble Cantus performsat the Barns at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road,Vienna, Va.) tonight at 8 p.m. Cantus focuseson a wide range of anthem music fromthe Hebrew Burial Kaddish to the AfricanAmerican work song. Tickets are $35. Formore information, visit wolftrap.org.Temptation presents Werq Out, a gaydance party, at the Howard Theatre (620 TSt., N.W.) tonight at 11 p.m. Sports attire isencouraged. DJ X Gonzalez will play musicfor the night. Tickets are $10. For moredetails, visit thehowardtheatre.com.In Laughing Color presents ForQueerky Folks Who Considered the MicWhen Comedy Central Wasnt Enuf, astand-up show featuring queer comicsof color, at Impact Hub (419 7th St., N.W.)tonight at 7:30 p.m. Several queer comicsof color will perform including ChelseaShorte and Curt Mariah. Tickets are $10.For more details and to purchase tickets,visit inlaughingcolordc.bpt.me.Team D.C. hosts a special military NightOut at the Wizards at Verizon Center(601 F St., N.W.) tonight from 7-8 p.m.Veterans, military service members andtheir family and friends are invited forthe game against the Charlotte Bobcats.Tickets are $30. There will also be a freepost-game party at the Green Turtle (601F St., N.W.). For details, visit teamdc.org.Women in their 20s, a social discussiongroup for LBT and all women interestedin women, meets today at the D.C.Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 8-9:30p.m. All welcome to join. For details, visitthedccenter.org.

LAVERNE COX is the guest speaker at George

SUNDAY, MARCH 29Gay actor and singer Jussie Smollettfrom the television show Empire willappear for an Empire soundtrackCD signing at FYE in Union Station (50Massachusetts Ave., N.E.) today at 3 p.m.Fellow cast member Yazz will also makean appearance. For more details, visitfacebook.com/empireonfox/events.The Capitol Pride Symphonic Band ofD.C.s Dierent Drummers celebrates its35th anniversary with a concert, Love andDevotion at Atlas Performing Arts Center(1333 H St., N.E.) today at 5 p.m. The showwill feature works by Hazo, Shostakovichand Gerswhin. There will also be aperformance of Espirit de Corps byRobert Jager and Symphonic Dances fromWest Side Story by Leonard Bernstein.Adult tickets are $20, senior tickets are$10 and children 14 and under are free.For more details, visit atlasarts.org.Metal band Torche, whose lead singerand guitarist Stephen Brooks is openlygay, plays DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) todayat 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. They willbe joined by fellow musicians Wrong, JeCarey and Black Clouds. Tickets are $12 inadvance and $14 day of show. For moreinformation, visit dcnine.com.

community. Older LGBT adults can

come and enjoy complimentary coeeand conversation with other communitymembers. For more information, visitthedccenter.org.Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave.,N.W.) holds a support group for gay blackmen to discuss topics that aect them,share perspectives and have meaningfulconversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31George Washington Universitys GWAllied in Pride presents Trans Day ofVisibility with Laverne Cox at LisnerAuditorium (730 21st St., N.W.) tonight at7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This showis sold out. For more details, visit lisner.gwu.edu/trans-day-visibility-laverne-cox.Human Rights Campaign (1640 RhodeIsland Ave., N.W.) hosts The State ofLGBT Catholics in the Age of PopeFrancis today at 9 a.m. The paneldiscussion will focus on the current stateof the Catholic state both locally andin the Vatican. Panelists include MaryHunt, co-founder and co-director of theWomens Alliance for Theology; queerCatholic activist Jes N. Stevens; FrancisDeBernardo, executive director of NewWays Ministry and more. There will be alight breakfast before the panel. This eventis free. For more details, visit facebook.com/humanrightscampaign.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1The Tom Davoren Social BridgeClub meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at theDignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for socialbridge. No partner needed. For moreinformation, call 301-345-1571.Brother Help Thyself hosts an LGBTcommunity town hall at the Hyatt PlaceBaltimore Inner Harbor (511 SouthCentral Ave., Baltimore) tonight from7:30-9 p.m. The town hall is designed toshare ideas aecting the community andto give resources to help serve the needsof the community. For more details, visit

brotherhelpthyself.net.SpeakeasyDC presents Fools Rush In,a spoken word performance, at HumanRights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave,N.W.) tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Theshow has average people telling theirhumorous true confessions and stories.Proceeds from the event benet HRC.Ticket purchase also includes an annualmembership or membership renewal toHRC. There will be a reception with cashbar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. General admissiontickets are $15 and general admissiontickets with two drink tickets are $25. Formore information, visit action.hrc.org.Bookmen D.C., an informal mens gayliterature group, meets tonight at 7:30p.m. at the Cleveland Park Library (3310Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to discuss JohnHorne Burns rst novel The Gallery.All welcome. Details at bookmendc.blogspot.com.

Older partner wary of

needy boyfriend

MICHAEL RADKOWSKY, Psy.D. is a licensed

psychologist who works with gay individualsand couples in D.C. He can be found onlineat personalgrowthzone.com. All identifyinginformation has been changed for reasonsof condentiality. Have a question? Send it toMichael@personalgrowthzone.com.

MICHAEL,My friends are telling me to break upwith my boyfriend of eight months. Theythink hes a mess. I agree that Eric is ananxious guy. He worries a lot about hisprecarious job situation, needs frequentreassurance about my feelings for himand I use a lot of energy soothing him.When Eric is calm, things are prettygood. We like to go out to eat, to theaterand movies, and just went to New Yorkfor the weekend, all enjoyable. But myfriends make the point that Im settingmyself up for a lot of work in the future ifI stay with him.I was in a relationship for nine yearsuntil my (younger) partner dumped methree years ago. Im now in my early 50sand am, to be honest, relieved to be in arelationship again. I dont like hookupsand I also dont like being alone. It feelslike the odds of nding someone betterare not great. Eric is a pretty good guyand I like being able to cheer him up. SoIve concluded that its better to be withsomeone, even if hes awed, than to bealone.My friends, however, say this is crazyand Im asking for trouble. I say norelationship is perfect. Thoughts?MICHAEL REPLIES:Is it better to be with someone thanbe alone? Great question. Id say itscertainly rewarding to be with someoneif a relationship gives you joy and nottoo much grief, keeping in mind that allrelationships will have their share ofchallenges.Staying with someone because youdont want to be alone puts you in aprecarious position. If you want to stay

M A R C H 27, 2015 31

coupled, no matter what, youre likely to

avoid taking risks that might be helpful such as addressing your desire for moresex or confronting your partners druguse because you fear rocking the boat.I cant tell if your friends are beingcatty or if youre downplaying Ericswobbliness. Perhaps both are true. Doyour friends have reason to dislike Ericor to be jealous of your relationship withhim? Might your fear of singlehood beleading you to see Eric as healthier thanhe actually is? How can you gure out ifyou should trust your own judgment?As you note, everyone has aws andyou are the only person who can (andshould) decide if you want to acceptyour boyfriend as he is. A good partnerstrives to behave decently and withintegrity, shares a commitment to builda strong and collaborative relationshipand challenges you and himself to grow.Are you nding these attributes in Eric? Inyourself?Being constantly responsible forsoothing someone elses anxiety is astrain. It can feel good to be needed, butif you enjoy this role, Eric has a powerfulincentive to keep turning to you for help.Over time, you may grow resentful of Eric.Erics ongoing reliance on you willcreate an unequal power dynamic in yourrelationship. Being the caretaker meansyou dont really have a partner who isyour peer.Finally, Eric is badly positioned if hecant soothe himself. What happenswhen youre not around? What did hedo before he met you? Im curious if heshows any interest in learning to calm hisown anxiety and if he is bothered by hisdependence on you.Its true that there will be points in anyrelationship where were called upon tocare for our partner. That comes with theterritory. But occasional soothing or evenround-the-clock caretaking in a crisis aredierent from being a full-time pair ofcrutches.You cant know for sure if youll be netolerating Erics long-term reliance onyou, but the likely downsides of this foreach of you and for your relationship areclear. Talking with Eric about your currentdynamic might help change things forthe better, but it may well upset Eric andunsettle your relationship.Are you willing to take the risk? Yourcall, but my own strong opinion is thata relationship that cannot tolerate anhonest discussion is one in which youreunlikely to do much growing.

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The Mr. D.C. Eagle competition was held on March 21 at the Eagles new location at 3701 Benning Road, N.E.

Just listed in BarnaBy Woods/nWdC

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open sunday 1-4pm

Church leaders grappled with

issue for decades before voteCONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Moseley, like Gunn, nevertheless

acknowledged some within his presbytery or regional district do not support thedecision to accept gay unions. The executivepresbyter of the New Castle Presbyterytold the Washington Blade there are somewithin his jurisdiction who would possiblyrefuse to ociate same-sex weddings.Some sessions if pressed would standon the ground that they are in oppositionand would probably stand in oppositionto having a same-sex marriage in theirchurch, Moseley says. That would betheir prerogative. No one has reported acase to me though.Craig N. Palmer, transitional generalpresbyter of the Presbytery of Baltimore,says the history of his group has beengenerally in support of changes to thechurchs constitution with regard tomarriage, ordination and other issues.Were trying to stay engaged witheveryone around this issue, Palmer says.Im hopeful that as we move forward inour own journey as disciples of our Lord,that we can stay in conversation aroundthese issues.Krehbiel said some members of hischurch have questioned what he callsthe hetero-normativity of the model ofmarriage.There are some who are unsurewhether marriage equality is the mostimportant issue facing the LGBTQcommunity, he says.

Decision to redenemarriage joyous forLGBT PresbyteriansThe Presbyterian Church (USA) since2011 has allowed openly LGBT peopleto hold leadership positions within thedenomination. The church last Juneeectively lifted its ban on pastorsperforming marriages in jurisdictionswhere it is legal.The amendment to the denominationsconstitution contains a provision thatstates no clergy will be compelled toociate a same-sex marriage.Krehbiel was a commissioner of thechurchs 2012 General Assembly thattook place in Pittsburgh.He says he was somewhat surprisedthe church moved so quickly on marriage,considering the reaction the issuereceived during the Pittsburgh meeting.The church was so afraid of taking thisstep, Krehbiel says. They were barelywilling to have a full debate.

Others with whom the Blade spoke

said they were far less surprised.I imagine most people saw thisdecision coming, Palmer says.The Presbyterian Church is now thelargest Protestant denomination in theworld to recognize same-sex marriagesand ocially allow their clergy to performthem.exCeptionally Charming!!!$1,149,000Presbyterian leaders with whomRun...dont walk to this rarely offered 4/5 BR, 3.5 bath Colonial with 2 car garage is nestledthe Blade spoke say the decision is aon a gorgeous 7,735 sqft. landscaped lot in the renowned Barnaby Woods/Chevy Chasereection of broader societal changesneighborhood of Northwest D.C. Enjoy the welcoming entry foyer, 3,697 base sqft, refinishedaround the issue that have taken placehardwoods, sweeping bay windowed living room with fireplace, elegant separate dining roomover the last decade.overlooking gardens, stunning family room addition with walls of glass, main level BR withGays and lesbians in Virginia, Westbath, office/den, spacious upper level bedrooms with playful dormered roof lines & extensiveVirginia, North Carolina and more thanclosets (2 BRS with baths ensuite) and a full basement with extensive storage, dark room anda dozen other states have receivedconvenient elevator. All on a spectacular garden setting chock full of established landscaping,marriage rights since the Generalbeautiful hardscapes, and relaxing patio. 6633 32nd place nw.Assembly last year endorsed theredenition of marriage.For further information and pics, please visit www.davelloyd.netMcNeill told the Blade that somePresbyterian clergy who decided toociate civil unions and marriage4701 Old Dominion Drive Arlington, VA 22207ceremonies for same-sex couples put703-593-3204 WWW.DAVELOYD.NETtheir ordinations on the line. He says thedecision to acknowledge gay nuptials nolonger puts them in that situation.For some of those clergy who puttheir ordinations on the line it really is asignicant day, McNeill says.The Pittsburgh Presbytery chargedRev. Janet Edwards with violating Biblicalteachings and the Constitution of thePresbyterian Church after she ociatedthe wedding of two women in 2005.Edwards was acquitted of the charges in2008, and she has subsequently lobbiedthe denomination to acknowledge samesex marriage.Today, the words of Matthew 19:26ring true for me: with You, all things arepossible. Hallelujah, wrote Edwards ina blog post for More Light Presbyteriansafter the church voted to acknowledgesame-sex marriages. What a privilege tobe one of the cloud of witnesses rejoicingADVERTISINGin this new day! Thank you for thisPROOF#1ISSUE DATE: 06.13.14SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)awesome opportunityto participatein amoment of true reformation.REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date ofproof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours ofPalmer says he thinks thereare broaderthe date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pittsREVISIONSomnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser isimpacts of the churchs decisionas well.responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which usersREDESIGNcan link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws orTEXTREVISIONSany rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of anyMy sense is that this a pretty joyouscopyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfairIMAGE/LOGO REVISIONScompetition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,thing to have had happen,says. Asor any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba theADVERTISER SIGNATURENOheREVISIONSwashington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and allBy signing this proof you are agreeing to your contrliability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurredweve seen in other denominations,washington blade newspaper. This includes but is nby brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representationspayment and insertion schedule.andwarranties.this has been a pretty challengingconversation for people of faith and forour denomination to make that shift. Iwould think that folks in our communityof faith who are gay and lesbian wouldsee as a welcome action.Krehbiel agrees.Atleastwithingay-friendlycongregations, it means the end of beingthe subject of debate, he says. I thinkthat era is over.

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The sandwich generation

Boomers face challengescaring for parents andadult ospringBy VALERIE M. BLAKETuna sandwiches.Peanut butter sandwiches. Cucumber sandwiches. Fingersandwiches. I have been accused of possessing acheesy-and-spicy-tomato-and-full-of-baloney sense of humor, but during the last fewweeks I have felt more like shredded lettuce. Why? Because, in helping my motherdownsize from her independent living facility, I have become my own version ofThe Sandwich Generation.I rst heard this term, which is used todescribe people who are caring for theirparents and their children at the sametime, while participating in a course toearn the designation of Senior Real EstateSpecialist (SRES).The rst thing I learned was that eventhough I passed the course and earnedthe designation, this was not going to become my primary niche. I did, however,develop a profound respect for those whofocus on the housing needs of the elderly;they are the saints who walk among us.Representing the top piece of breadof our sandwich are the elderly parents(and Im talking 80s and 90s here, not myBoomer brethren).Many of them may behanging on for dear life to their four-storyColonial rather than looking forward to a

condo on Connecticut Avenue or an independent living facility at King Farm.

They may also be reluctant to part withthe treasures they have amassed over theyears, so having the phone number of a professional organizer who specializes in downsizing on tap can be extremely helpful. The decision to move is often beingmade by someone else, perhaps an adultson or daughter, the meat of our sandwich.While interacting with the adult children, who may be the decision makersand the source of funds for the move, itis critical not to exclude the aging parentsfrom the conversation. Remember thatthey still have a stake in the process andwant to be consulted and involved.Do you see some stress forming yet?Now add the bottom piece of bread,the next generation of sons and daughters. The people in the middle of thesandwich are often trying to handle theemotional, nancial and residential needsof the bottom piece of bread as well. Is itany wonder the lling is spread too thin? In many cultures, multi-generationalhouseholds are the norm, where childrenlive at home until married and grandparents are revered elders.Due to economicand nancial concerns in parts of the U.S.,we are seeing more adult children returnto the family home and aging parents being taken in by their ospring.In some areas of the country where thecost of land is less than it is here, buildersare oering more housing stock designedwith rst oor master suites, basementsuites and in-law spaces, granny ats and

other accommodations for multi-family use.

The Washington area, however, with itsplethora of vertical residences, does notlend itself well to the concept of aging inplace that is often the rst choice for American seniors.Few elevator homes exist andthen, only at the higher price points.Downsizing to a condominium or moving to a suburban area such as SilverSpring, Md., or Fairfax, Va., may be necessary to nd single-story living as kneesweaken, hips joints are replaced andhome health care aides are hired. An independent living facility, wherepeople who are ambulatory and highlyfunctional can have a nice apartment, enjoy indoor and outdoor activities and never have to cook or clean again unless theychoose to, is a popular yet costly choice.On the other side of the sandwich, digging out and nishing an English basement may be a great investment to help

a returning young adult pay o student

loans and save for a home of his own. Itcan also serve as income when needed later in life by other members of the family.My own family sandwich is lopsided, witha top piece of bread and no bottom unless you count Schnauzers, who dont earnenough to support me in my old age. So,with my mother soon to be ensconced in aboard and care facility (thats Californian fornursing home), my personal job as SeniorReal Estate Specialist is done. And now Im o to trade my fourstory Colonial for a one-story, mid-century modern home in D.C. for under$700,000.Anybody want to take odds onthat happening?VALERIE M. BLAKE can be reached at KellerWilliams Capital Properties, 202-246-8602 or atValerie@DCHomeQuest.com. Each oce is independently owned and operated.Equal Housing Opportunity.

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*In the Washington Division at Brick Yard Station buyer eligible to receive up to $10k in closing costs; offer not applicable at all communities and amount varies by communityand plan. This limited time offer may end or change without notice. This offer not valid with any other promotional offer. Information shown believed to be accurate but notwarranted. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. Buyer must finance through RMC Mortgage Corporation and close withRyland Title Company to receive promotions, and incentives. Buyer may finance via any other qualified lender, but may not be eligible for all Ryland incentive and promotionaloffers. Promotion deductions taken at time of purchase agreement only. RMC Mortgage Corporation is located at 14280 Park Meadow Drive, Suite 108, Chantilly, Virginia20151 tel: (703) 449-6500 and is a Licensed Lender, license number MC-5716 in Alpharetta, GA and branch licenses in Chantilly, VA and Scottsdale, AZ. RMC MortgageCorporation, NMLS ID #203897 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Any rate of interest advertised by RMC Mortgage Corporation may change or not be available at the time ofloan commitment or lock-in. In the Washington, D.C. division, prices, plans, elevations and specifications are subject to change without notice. Inventory homes are subject toprior sale. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Square footageshown is approximate. BUILDER magazine gave Ryland Homes an A+ on the Big Builder2014 Builder Report Card in the May 2014 issue of Builder100. See Sales Counselor forBig Builders2014 PublicBuildera complete list of HouseWorks features. See Sales Counselor for details on availableBUILDER Report Cardpromotions, restrictions and offer limitations. 2015 The Ryland Group, Inc. MHBR #128.

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